Is Yusuf’s standout displays vs DC United, Messi’s Miami, & Minnesota behind Super Eagles’ return?

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named his squad for the upcoming games later this month and in June, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria will defend their Unity Cup title in a four-nation tournament set to begin on May 26, before facing Poland and Portugal in two friendly matches in June, as they continue preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this year.

There had been growing anticipation over the players Chelle would call up in recent weeks, especially after the Super Eagles coach had hinted that several fringe players would get opportunities during the Unity Cup, while established stars would return for the June friendlies.

Alhassan Yusuf makes Super Eagles return

New England Revolution midfielder Alhassan Yusuf earned a place in Eric Chelle’s squad released earlier today, for both the Unity Cup and the international friendlies in June.

Your #SuperEagles squads for the #2026UnityCup and June Friendlies 📋 pic.twitter.com/akoS3NlCoB

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 20, 2026

The 25-year-old made his Super Eagles debut in January 2024 during a 2-0 defeat to Guinea in a pre-AFCON friendly. He later featured in Nigeria’s opening game at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea and went on to make three appearances at the tournament, including in the final as the Super Eagles finished runners-up to Ivory Coast.

Yusuf has made eight appearances for Nigeria in total. He was also invited for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in October and November last year and was an unused substitute during the CAF playoff finals, where Nigeria lost to DR Congo and missed out on qualification for the tournament.

Although he was named in the preliminary squad for the 2025 AFCON tournament, Yusuf eventually missed out on the final squad as Nigeria went on to secure a record ninth bronze medal.

Why has Eric Chelle recalled Alhassan Yusuf after AFCON snub?

Several players were in contention to make Eric Chelle’s squad for the upcoming matches, especially after the coach opened the door for fringe and new players to impress.

One of those players was Alhassan Yusuf, who has been in excellent form for MLS side New England Revolution this season and it is no surprise the club currently sit third in the Eastern Conference standings considering his influence in midfield.

Eric Chelle released separate squad lists for the Unity Cup and the June friendlies against Poland and Portugal, with Yusuf among the few players included in both squads. This means that the midfielder could feature in four matches for Nigeria over the next month.

His recall has not come by chance. The 25-year-old has been one of New England Revolution’s standout performers this season with several impressive displays.

Yusuf has made 13 appearances for the Revs this season, starting 10 matches and has scored twice. One of his goals came in a 1-0 victory over DC United in April, where he delivered a commanding midfield display and scored the winning goal.

In another league game against Inter Miami, Yusuf was outstanding in midfield as he helped his side cope with the threat posed by Lionel Messi and his teammates.

The Nigerian midfielder even produced a memorable moment when he dispossessed Messi and launched a counterattack for his side. He completed all of his long passes, won seven duels, and made 11 defensive actions.

Video🎥: Lionel Messi against Alhassan Yusuf 🇳🇬😤
pic.twitter.com/pA8qgs9cEQ

— Nigeria Scout (@9jaPlayersNews) May 2, 2026

Last weekend, Yusuf delivered another impressive performance as New England Revolution returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Minnesota United, once again showcasing his quality in midfield.

Those performances appear to have convinced Chelle that Yusuf deserves another another opportunity with the national team.

Following his return to the squad, Yusuf will now be hoping for an impressive outing when called upon in Nigeria’s upcoming matches. He could even be pushing for a starting spot in the Unity Cup opener against Zimbabwe on May 26.

Before linking up with the Super Eagles in London, Yusuf is expected to feature for New England Revolution against Charlotte this weekend.