Though the Super Eagles laboured to earn a point against battle-hardened Equatorial Guinea in their opening match at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Cote d’Ivoire 2023, Alhassan Yusuf won hearts of many for his commanding performance on his long-awaited international debut .
The Antwerp ‘ midfielder shone like a neon light in the dark to the delight of former Nigeria International Sam Sodje as well as FCTFA Chairman Adam Mouktar Mohammed as both poured encomiums on the pint-sized 23-year-old for his yeoman’s job on his debut.
Sodje, the former Reading who made four appearances for the Super Eagles in his heyday, praised Yusuf for being able to pull the strings in the middle of the pack, adding he expected coach Jose Peseiro to juggle up the team in order not to overwork the lad.
“ We wished we would have started with a win just as the Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire ) won their first game to ease the pressure but it didn’t happen as such we have to move on now, “ said Sodje on Brila Fm.
“ It’s a tournament and we have to move on to the next game .
“ But I think we came out well in the first 10 minutes (against Equatorial Guinea) and we conceded a bad goal but we found our way regardless.
“ Yusuf had a very good game ,” he noted inter alia.
A highly impressed Mohammed was even more forthcoming on his ward who made his breakthrough from FC Hearts.
“Yes, indeed I am very proud of his journey so far and it goes to inspire many millions of potential young players out there,” said Mohammed .“For him he is over the moon. He is one of the lucky footballers to be able to wear the great Jersey for his country Nigeria. Definitely a dream fulfilled.
“He will continue fight for a shirt and not take it for granted.
“To give 110%, the objective is to play his heart out and try to help win titles with the Super Eagles,” he added.
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Sodje, Mouktar Salute Yusuf On Dream Eagles’ Debut
