Fans back Yusuf to shine in I’Coast

Nigerians have expressed confidence in Antwerp midfielder Alhassan Yusuf, who has been handed a late call-up to replace injured Wilfred Ndidi in the Super Eagles camp in Abu Dhabi ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, National Daily Newspaper gathered.

The biennial Nations Cup will hold from January 13 to February 11.

Yusuf was initially named in coach Jose Peseiro’s initial 41-man list but was dropped from the final 25-man squad which was released last Friday, as the Portuguese coach stuck with the midfield lineup of Ndidi Raphael Onyedika Joe Aribo Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi.

After speculations, the Nigeria Football Federation on Wednesday confirmed that the Kano-born midfielder will replace Ndidi while Kelechi Iheanacho, who is also injured is still hopeful of joining the team before the AFCON commences.

Yusuf has been a regular for Antwerp in the Belgium Pro League and the Champions League this season, making 15 league appearances and providing two assists just as he featured in all their six Champions League group stage games, scoring one goal and providing one assist as well.

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A fan Tijjani Zayyad also said he should be given enough game time at the tournament. “Good replacement, Onyedikachi and Alhassan should be given a decent run, knowing Pesiero I know he’s likely to experiment with Iwobi/Onyeka instead which won’t work.”

Some others also said he deserved a place in the initial squad.

“Why replace Ndidi when there’s still space for two more players. Just add Alhassan Yusuf, simple. On matchdays Ndidi will not be listed. You guys want to deny Ndidi an AFCON medal when we win it,” a fan added.