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Who is Alhassan Yusuf, the midfielder replacing Ndidi for AFCON?





Everything you need to know about Alhassan Yusuf, the Kano-born midfielder, replacing the injured Wilfred Ndidi for AFCON.

Alhassan Yusuf, the talented Nigerian midfielder, has been making waves in the European football scene and is now set to replace Wilfred Ndidi in the Nigerian squad for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Born on July 20, 2000, in Kano, Nigeria, Yusuf's journey in football is both inspiring and remarkable.


Early Beginnings
Yusuf's football journey began at FC Hearts in Nigeria. His talent was recognized early by the Tiki Taka Development Group, a Swedish-based academy with operations in Nigeria. This academy played a pivotal role in shaping his career, providing him with the opportunity to showcase his skills in Europe at the prestigious Gothia Cup.




It was at this tournament, particularly the 2017 edition, that Yusuf's abilities shone, catching the attention of IFK Göteborg. His impressive performance in the Gothia Cup, a tournament known for featuring some of football's greatest talents like Xabi Alonso and Andrea Pirlo, led to a trial and eventually a permanent move to IFK Göteborg.

Rise to Prominence
Yusuf quickly made a name for himself at IFK Göteborg. His exceptional skills on the field earned him the Allsvenskan Young Player of the Year in 2019, a testament to his remarkable talent and hard work.

His performances were characterised by his ability to dictate games with accurate and quick passing, as well as his defensive prowess. These skills not only showcased his versatility as a midfielder but also drew comparisons to renowned players like N’Golo Kanté.

A New Chapter at Antwerp
In 2021, Yusuf's career took a significant leap when he signed with Belgian club Royal Antwerp. The transfer, valued at around €1 million, was a testament to his growing reputation in European football.

At Antwerp, Yusuf continued to impress, becoming a mainstay in the midfield and even capturing the Player of the Month award in one of the seasons. His market value soared, indicating his rising status in the football world.


A Star on the International Stage
While Yusuf has not yet been capped for the Nigerian national team, his inclusion in the provisional list for AFCON speaks volumes about his potential and the expectations placed on him. His performance in the UEFA Champions League, where he scored on his debut, further cements his status as a player of international calibre.

Looking Ahead
Alhassan Yusuf's journey from a young talent in Nigeria to a rising star in European football is a story of determination, skill, and passion. As he steps in to replace Ndidi for AFCON, all eyes will be on him to see if he can translate his club's success to the international stage.

His story is not just about football; it's about the potential of youth and the boundless opportunities that come with talent and hard work.



https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/who-is-alhassan-yusuf-the-midfielder-replacing-ndidi-for-afcon-2024010317342101247

No doubt Nigeria has buddle of talented players

But my worry is that we don't have a good coach to blend them into a team


How can we be going to a big tournament with uncapped players

A player that has never played with other team mate will certainly not blend
Alhassan Yusuf, and goalkeeper Nwabili will be meeting the team for the first time in camp and next straight to AFCON?


Our midfield to me is still a suspect
No creative player.
Modern games are won and be lost in the midfield

If you cut them off our strikers are starved and finished

I am more interested in who is replacing Uzoho.

BTW, in our history of AFCON, it seems this present squad elicits the lowest optimism, as regards our expectations &hopes going into the competition.

He is a northerner noore stories

Bulabluuuu happenings will occur at AFCON

Ndi football except you are earning from the game, focus less on it and find something to earn from.

USD is already 1255 today & rising more than ijebu garri while they are trying to change price of PMS.

This year will be tough for those without multiple sources of income.

Except you are being fed by someone football should be the least of your concerns.

The fact that we have to ask who he is.. anyway let’s keep playing

It's definitely his time to shine...

Mtchew.

If you like make you gather all the top eleven footballers blend them for Super Eagles. With a coach as clueless as ours at the helm of affairs, it's still amount to zilch.

This country is a dumping ground for folks who have committed heinous crimes in their past lives and are repaying for bad karma. There's nothing you can tell me to convince me otherwise.

We never seem to produce attacking midfielders

Hope he doesn't disappoint. Wish them all the best.

My problem with this team is our coach...he doesn't look like one. I wish them all the best though and I would be rooting for naija come Saturday..

Beta make dem win this AFCON but I don't trust the coach

robosky02:
No doubt Nigeria has buddle of talented players

But my worry is that we don't have a good coach to blend them into a team


How can we be going to a big tournament with uncapped players

A player that has never played with other team mate will certainly not blend
Alhassan Yusuf, and goalkeeper Nwabili will be meeting the team for the first time in camp and next straight to AFCON?


Our midfield to me is still a suspect
No creative player.
Modern games are won and be lost in the midfield

If you cut them off our strikers are starved and finished

The simple solution is to use a 4 3 3 that uses compact hard-working midfielders who are also technically sound, if not creative, then let the full backs and forwards provide the creativity, like Liverpool.

The thing about this formation though, is that Boniface or Iheanacho would be better options than Osimhen as the 9.

eventhough he is someone from my area he is still not comparable to ndidi. ndidi is far better than him.
super chickens will not pass the group stage this i have seen.

ogawisdom:


Ndi football except you are earning from the game, focus less on it and find something to earn from.

USD is already 1255 today & rising. This year will be tough for those without multiple sources of income

what are you saying? People should not enjoy themselves again because of dollar? Is everything about Ur life money? Go to the grave.. that's the richest place on Earth.. try dey enjoy yourself.. you fit work hard Make u no stay enjoy am

SmartyPants:
The simple solution is to use a 4 3 3 that uses compact hard-working midfielders who are also technically sound, if not creative, then let the full backs and forwards provide the creativity, like Liverpool.

But JP only knows 442


Jose Peseiro......aka JP

Ask me o

The only Alhassan I know is a bandit

The only Yusuf I know is a son of the former President

Who com get mind carry them two names?

He is a combative midfielder,oppositions won't find him easy at all.

Go Eagles !

Oboto700:
what are you saying? People should not enjoy themselves again because of dollar? Is everything about Ur life money? Go to the grave.. that's the richest place on Earth.. try dey enjoy yourself.. you fit work hard Make u no stay enjoy am

This is not for people still enjoying mama thank ma like you. Please ignore

Wahala for those of una wey dey expect any miraculous good performance from this current super eagles squad....

At least,the last time we didn't qualify to the world cup,our BP was very normal.....I wonder how many people go get HBP as from 14th because I don't see any good thing coming out from them so long we have a very big basket manning our goalpost Coupled with a very porous defense as well....

It is well indeed.

Who e epp?

azpekuliar:
The fact that we have to ask who he is.. Let’s keep playing

When they need to complete one stupid federal character in the team.

Northern slot completed, oya Airpeace after group stage. We no go kuku fit watch am since DSTv do dey carry the tournament

Super eagles are better off playing without a coach.

The peserio or pepsi coach no too sabi tactics.

Except a surprise happens, I see us bowing out of the tournament at quarter final.

Nigeria don't look good. Average players

Oboto700:
My problem with this team is our coach...he doesn't look like one. I wish them all the best though and I would be rooting for naija come Saturday..

Even Eguaveon is 10 times better than this abino

At least we saw a different playing pattern when Eguaveon took over last AFCON

But this JS na one day one headache

abba190:
eventhough he is someone from my area he is still not comparable to ndidi. ndidi is far better than him.
super chickens will not pass the group stage this i have seen.

You know football, mutumina