Current Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) top scorer, Anas Yusuf, has admitted that the ultimate decision to don the colours of the Super Eagles rests with new head coach Eric Chelle, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nasarawa United forward garnered attention in the first stanza of the NPFL, where he consistently found the back of the net, building on this momentum with the Daniel Ogunmodede-led Super Eagles B team.
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With an impressive tally of 11 goals in the first half of the NPFL season, Yusuf spoke candidly about his preparation, goals, and ambitions for the upcoming tournament in an exclusive interview with Soccernet.ng.
Yusuf's Mental and Physical Preparation for CHAN 2024
Reflecting on his league form, Yusuf admitted that scoring 11 goals in the NPFL is no easy feat but credited his success to hard work, prayer, and team cohesion.
“It's never easy scoring eleven goals just within the first stanza in a league as difficult as the NPFL.” he said. “Personally, I have worked hard, prayed always, and blended well with my teammates to achieve this goal. The CHAN Championship is a bigger stage because you are representing your country against other countries who might probably have stronger leagues than ours. It's a setting to prove to the world that you are not the NPFL leading Goalscorer by fluke, but that you do merit the achievement.
OUR GOAL OF THE WEEK❗️
Take a bow! Anas Yusuf with a very special finish.
What a goal. #NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/ijXMHPNLSL— NPFL News (@NPFL_News) December 5, 2024
Yusuf also acknowledged the importance of the CHAN competition as a platform for showcasing Nigeria's footballing talent.
“The CHAN competition is a stage to market yourself, the league and talent to the world. You have to give you all to deserve to be there, get along well and even win it because Nigeria has never won it. I feel this is our period to win the Competition and signpost our mission of leading the world.” he added.
On His Selection for the CHAN Eagles Squad
Speaking further, Yusuf described his selection for the CHAN Eagles as a major honour, linking it to his hard work and faith in God.
“It's an honour to adorn the National Colours. There are countless numbers of talented players in Nigeria, and to be selected amongst this pool of talented players is the grace of God, coupled with my hard work and commitment. I am a team player; surely, I will contribute my best to the success of our team by giving my best for the sake of my country, Nigeria. We have been paired against some great football-playing countries, so there won't be room for complacency from the preliminary rounds heading to the crucial knockout phases. It's my desire to help my country win this competition for the very first time.”
Key to His Goalscoring Success
When asked about the secret behind his phenomenal goal-scoring record, Yusuf attributed his form to determination and teamwork.
“Determination, commitment, hard work, and teamwork have been crucial for me. Above all, I put my total trust and belief in God,” he revealed.
Confidence in Facing Africa’s Best Defences
Despite the challenges posed by tough opposition at CHAN, Yusuf exuded confidence in his ability to maintain his scoring form.
“Football is the same everywhere; the approach might differ, but the game is the same,” Yusuf explained. “After rediscovering my scoring form, I’ve worked on improvising my techniques to score more goals. Scoring is part of me, and I don’t see an end to it anytime soon.”
Working with Coach Daniel Ogunmodede
Speaking about his relationship with Remo Stars manager, and stand-in head coach of the Super Eagles B team, Daniel Ogunmodede and the CHAN coaching staff, Yusuf expressed admiration and gratitude.
“Working under the Super Eagles’ tactically gifted coaches has been a huge blessing,” Yusuf said. “They’ve helped me rediscover my potential, and their encouragement has brought out a spectacular version of me. In my next world, I’d still want to work under their technical guidance.”
On Potential Super Eagles Call-Up
Given his form in the NPFL and CHAN selection, Yusuf was asked if he believes new Super Eagles boss, Eric Chelle, should consider him for the senior national team.
“Well, even though it's the dream of every player to play at the zenith of the national team of their country, my selection rests on the conviction of the Super Eagles' coach because he alone can tell what he needs in a player to be worthy of a national invitation.” Yusuf humbly stated. “I will continue to do my best and hope that it will be enough to guarantee an invitation. So, it's up to the coach to decide, and mine is to be at my best always.”
