Sports

Who Is Alhassan Yusuf, The Midfielder Replacing Ndidi For AFCON?

Published

2 years ago

January 6, 2024

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 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Born on July 20, 2000, in Kano, Nigeria, Yusuf’s journey in football is both inspiring and remarkable.

Early beginning

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 in 2017, 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, VANGUARD reports that 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.

VANGUARD

Sports

AFCON 2025: Lookman Scores Winner As Super Eagles Start Campaign With 2–1 Victory Over Tanzania

Published

14 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Ademola Lookman scored what proved to be the decisive goal as Nigeria beat Tanzania 2-1 in their opening game at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles came into the match as heavy favourites to win and dominated the opening exchanges.

After coming close a few times, the three-time champions took the lead through Semi Ajayi.

The ball was recycled following a corner-kick, before Alex Iwobi crossed it into the area for Ajayi to head home.

Tanzania equalized after Charles M’Mombwa found himself unmarked inside the area.

But two minutes later, Nigeria struck the winner through Lookman, who took a few touches and finished with his left foot.

Sports

JUST IN: Dembélé Named FIFA Best Men’s Player, Bonmatí Wins Women’s Award

Published

1 week ago

December 16, 2025

Editor

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been awarded the FIFA Best Men’s Player for 2025, following a season in which he contributed significantly to both his club and the France national team.

Dembélé, known for his pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, played a central role in Paris Saint-Germain’s campaigns across domestic and European competitions. His performances for the national team also helped France secure notable results in international fixtures.

Speaking on the recognition, Dembélé said, “It is a great honour to receive this award. I could not have achieved this without my teammates at PSG and in the national team, whose support has been invaluable.”

In the women’s category, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí was named FIFA Best Women’s Player for 2025. Bonmatí was influential in Barcelona’s domestic and European campaigns, providing leadership, vision, and creativity in midfield. She also played a key role in Spain’s international successes.

“This award reflects the hard work of my teammates and coaches,” Bonmatí said. “I am grateful for their guidance and support throughout the season.”

The announcements reaffirm FIFA’s recognition of individual excellence in football while highlighting the contributions of players to both club and country.

Sports

Court Fixes Date To Hear Sala Compensation Dispute

Published

2 weeks ago

December 9, 2025

Editor

A commercial court examining the long-running dispute between Cardiff City and French club Nantes over compensation for the death of Emiliano Sala in a plane crash said Monday it would give its decision on March 30 next year.

Sala, a 28-year-old Argentine striker, died when the light aircraft taking him to the Welsh capital came down in the English Channel on January 21, 2019, two days after he had signed for the then-Premier League side. He and pilot David Ibbotson were killed.

The Welsh club took the case to the Nantes commercial court in 2023 to claim compensation for loss of income and other damages suffered by the club as a result of the player’s death.

Following an analysis conducted by an expert appointed by Cardiff City, the club estimated their losses at over 120 million euros ($139.5 million). Lawyers for both clubs made their cases at Monday’s hearing.

The Welsh club argue that Nantes, through their intermediary, agent Willie McKay, were the organisers of the private flight on which the footballer was travelling and that, if the transfer was effective at the time of the accident according to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), it is the organisation of this flight that is at issue.

Cardiff City’s lawyer, Olivier Loizon, told the court Monday, Willie McKay “could not have been unaware of the illegality of the flight”, and argued that the agent had acted with “negligence”.

“Whatever the ultimate cause of the accident, (Sala) should not have been on the flight,” he added.

Nantes’ lawyer, Jerome Marsaudon, insisted Monday the only agent authorised by the club in connection with the transfer was Mark McKay, the son of Willie McKay.

The elder McKay “was simply helping his son, given his extensive experience”, the lawyer said.

“It is sad to see that Cardiff have exploited this tragedy and turned it into a genuine legal farce,” he added. “Nothing in this case justifies holding FC Nantes liable.”

Prior to the start of the hearing, a Nantes representative said the club “have no doubt that Cardiff’s claims will be rejected outright, just like all the others”.

In another case related to the dispute between the two clubs, CAS ruled in 2022 that Sala’s transfer had definitely been finalised at the time of his death.

In 2023, world football’s governing body FIFA ordered Cardiff to pay Nantes the balance of Sala’s transfer fee, which at the time amounted to just over 11 million euros out of a total of 17 million euros.