Alhassan Yusuf has earned a call-up to Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad for the upcoming Unity Cup mini-tournament and international friendlies against Poland and Portugal following his strong performances for New England Revolution.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle named the 25-year-old midfielder in both squads for the busy international window scheduled for late May and early June.
Yusuf’s inclusion comes amid an impressive run of form for the Revolution, who currently sit third in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference.
The Nigerian midfielder has made 13 appearances in the current campaign, and has scored two goals including a decisive goal in New England’s victory over D.C. United on April 11.
Unity Cup campaign
Nigeria will begin their Unity Cup title defence against Zimbabwe at Charlton Athletic Stadium, The Valley, in London on May 26. Victory would send the Super Eagles into the final on May 30 against either Jamaica or India.
Yusuf will join captain Wilfred Ndidi in midfield alongside Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro as part of the 27-man squad selected for the tournament.
The competition is expected to serve as key preparation for Nigeria ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures later this year.
Poland and Portugal friendlies
Following the Unity Cup, the Super Eagles will face Poland at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on June 3 before taking on Portugal in Leiria on June 10.
The Portugal clash is expected to provide a major test for Nigeria, with the European side using the fixture as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Yusuf is included in a 24-man squad featuring several stars, including Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Ndidi.
MLS recognition
Yusuf’s call-up also shows the growing recognition of Major League Soccer as a pathway for international footballers.
Although he remains the only MLS-based player in the squad, the former Royal Antwerp midfielder has continued to impress since joining New England in August 2024.
The midfielder will now aim to carry his impressive MLS form onto the international stage as Nigeria prepare for a demanding run of fixtures in Europe.
