Alhassan Yusuf has revealed that he used Nigeria's Unity Cup campaign as the perfect chance to prove himself to Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad, Soccernet.ng reports.
The New England Revolution midfielder was one of the regular faces in Nigeria's team under former coach Jose Peseiro and played an important role when the Super Eagles finished as runners-up at the 2023 AFCON. However, things changed after Chelle took charge.
When Nigeria travelled to Morocco for the 2025 AFCON, held between December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026, Yusuf was left out of the squad. At the time, Major League Soccer was in its off-season, meaning he had little opportunity to convince the new coach before the tournament began.
Although disappointed, Yusuf accepted the decision without complaints. Instead, he focused on staying ready for another opportunity with the national team.
That chance arrived when he was called up for the Unity Cup in London after the AFCON. Yusuf made sure he did not waste it.
Yusuf grabs Super Eagles second chance with both hands
The 24-year-old featured for the full 90 minutes as Nigeria defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 on May 26 before producing the performance of his international career four days later.
Against Jamaica, Yusuf scored his first goals for the Super Eagles as Nigeria cruised to a 3-0 victory to retain the Unity Cup for the second straight edition.
His opening goal came just three minutes into the match when he arrived at the back post to finish calmly. He completed his memorable night in stoppage time with a powerful forward run before producing a superb finish in the 91st minute.
The midfielder admitted he saw the tournament as the ideal opportunity to remind Chelle of what he could bring to the national team.
“Really good moment for me to show the coach what I can give to the team,” Yusuf said via Blazing Musket. “I was kind of on and off, especially with the AFCON when we were off for the season, so I didn't go. I wanted to show him that I can still give something to the team.”
Yusuf's energetic displays, strong positioning and willingness to support attacks have made him an important player for both club and country. His two goals against Jamaica also matched his scoring record for New England Revolution this season, where he has found the net twice in 14 league appearances.
The midfielder believes the similar playing styles between his club and the Super Eagles made his transition back into the national team much easier.
“I would say we kind of play in a similar way, trying to progress the ball and get involved, and then we go to the attack,” Yusuf said when comparing the Revs to Nigeria. “I think it really helped me when playing with the national team. We have so many similarities in the way we're playing.”
The Unity Cup has now given Yusuf fresh hope of becoming an important player under Chelle as Nigeria begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in September
