New England Revolution have confirmed that Nigerian midfielder Alhassan Yusuf will report for international duty on the same day the Super Eagles camp opens in Kigali ahead of the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has arranged for the Super Eagles to hold their pre-match training camp in Rwanda before their opening fixture against the Amavubi in Kigali on March 21.
When will Super Eagles camp open?
The Super Eagles camp will officially open on Sunday, March 16, allowing the players to prepare under new head coach Éric Chelle.
Yusuf, who has been named in the 23-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers, will depart for Nigeria’s camp immediately after New England Revolution’s MLS clash against New York City FC.
The fixture, scheduled for Saturday, March 15, at Yankee Stadium, kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET. Following the match, the 24-year-old midfielder will travel to Kigali, making him one of the first players to report to camp and begin training under Chelle.
The former Royal Antwerp star, who was signed for €2.30 million in August, has been a key figure for New England Revolution at the start of the 2025 MLS season, featuring in all three league games so far.
Since joining the club from Belgium, where he won the 2023 Belgian Pro League, Belgian Cup, and Belgian Super Cup titles, Yusuf has made 10 MLS appearances, starting eight matches and providing two assists.
The gets the call!
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) March 12, 2025
Yusuf will join @NGSuperEagles for their FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.#NERevs • @GlobalEOR pic.twitter.com/JftfBLRBFe
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Born in Kano, Yusuf has earned seven caps for Nigeria, including two appearances in the 2024 World Cup qualifiers last June. His last outing for the Super Eagles came in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification match against Rwanda on November 18, 2024.
Yusuf, who made his international debut in January 2024, featured three times at the delayed 2023 AFCON tournament, where Nigeria reached the final.
When is Super Eagles next match?
The Super Eagles have struggled in the World Cup qualifying campaign so far, sitting fifth in Group C with three points from four matches. Rwanda currently lead the standings with seven points, while Zimbabwe are bottom with just two points.
Yusuf and his teammates will face Rwanda on Friday, March 21, at the Stade Amahoro in Kigali before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, on Tuesday, March 25.
The Super Eagles will be looking to revive their qualification hopes under new boss Éric Chelle, and Yusuf's early arrival in camp could provide a boost as Nigeria seek a much-needed turnaround in form.
