The Super Eagles AFCON 2023 superstar was conspicuously missing as his team and colleagues went on a rampage.
While Naija Stars Abroad were making headlines across Europe this weekend, one notable absentee was Alhassan Yusuf was conspicuously missing from Royal Antwerp's comprehensive 6-1 victory over St. Truiden in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.
The 24-year-old, who impressed for the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, despite an injury-ravaged tournament for him, is reportedly set to become the latest Nigerian player to make the move to Major League Soccer.
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Super Eagles player on the move?
Yusuf, who has been with Antwerp since coming through the club's youth ranks in 2022, has established himself as a first-team regular for the Belgian side.
And earlier this year, the club celebrated the midfielder's milestone of 100 appearances for the Reds.
However, it seems that Yusuf's time in Europe could be coming to an end, with the player reportedly close to securing a move to MLS side New England Revolution.
The move would see Yusuf follow in the footsteps of fellow Nigerian defender Chidozie Awaziem, who joined Cincinnati from Portuguese club Boavista.
While Yusuf was absent, his Royal Antwerp teammates, led by Jacob Ondrejka, who scored a hat-trick, put on a dominant display to secure a 6-1 victory.
The result came as a welcome relief for the club, who had suffered a shock defeat in their previous outing at home.
The absence of Yusuf, the only Nigerian left at Antwerp after Chidera Ejuke departed for Sevilla, will undoubtedly be felt by the club as they look to build on their impressive start to the season.
However, the potential move to the MLS could provide the Nigerian midfielder with a new challenge and an opportunity to showcase his talents on a different stage.
With the summer transfer window still unfolding, the futures of Nigerian stars like Alhassan Yusuf will be closely watched by Pulse Sports Nigeria as we look to see where the next generation of Naija talent will ply their trade.
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