Anas Yusuf’s Omission Sparks NPFL Outrage
The NPFL’s highest goal scorer, Ana’s Yusuf was not selected among the NPFL players for the unity cup
The recent announcement of the Super Eagles’ roster has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with the glaring absence of Anas Yusuf, the current leading goal scorer in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The situation has brought into sharp focus the selection criteria employed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), coach Eric Chelle, and the CHAN Eagles coaches, raising questions about fairness, transparency, and the recognition of domestic talent.
Of the 26 players selected, nine play in the domestic league and Yusuf Omission has raised many reactions.
Some Nigeria football analysts and the general public have voiced their concerns, questioning how a player who currently tops the 2024/25 NPFL season’s goal-scoring chart with an impressive 18 goals after 37 games could be overlooked.
The argument is further fueled by the fact that several NPFL attackers included in the roster have fewer goals than Yusuf, amplifying the perception of an unjust selection process.
The core of the issue lies in the perceived lack of reward for hard work and exceptional performance within the NPFL.
The general expectation is that a player leading the league in goals should be in the national team for the Unity Cup, representing the pinnacle of achievement in the domestic league.
Yusuf’s remarkable feat of scoring two hat-tricks this season, against El Kanemi Warriors and Abia Warriors FC, further underscores his prolific form and his undeniable contribution to the league.
The situation has prompted calls for the NFF leadership to intervene and re-evaluate the selection process.
Critics argue that the current approach fails to adequately recognize and reward deserving players, potentially discouraging aspiring footballers within the domestic league.
The prevailing sentiment is that the selection process should prioritize merit and performance, ensuring that the best players, regardless of their club affiliation, are given the opportunity to represent their nation.
The omission of Anas Yusuf has become a symbol of this perceived injustice, highlighting the need for greater transparency and a more equitable approach to player selection within Nigerian football.
The future of the Super Eagles and the development of domestic football may well hinge on how the NFF addresses this growing concern.
About the Unity Cup:
The Unity Cup is a four-nation invitational tournament aimed at celebrating countries with large diaspora communities in London and this year’s edition will run from May 26 to May 31, 2025, with Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago set to compete.
The tournament was last held in 2004 at The Valley Stadium in London, where Nigeria emerged champions after defeating Ireland 3-0 and Jamaica 2-0. Former Super Eagles striker Bartholomew Ogbeche was the tournament’s top scorer with three goals.
For this 2025 edition, the fixtures are as follows:
May 27: Trinidad and Tobago vs Jamaica
May 28: Nigeria vs Ghana
May 31: Final and Third-Place Playoff
Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Ahmed Musa and hoping his leadership can guide Nigeria to another Unity Cup triumph.
