Royal Antwerp midfielder Alhassan Yusuf has spoken of his happiness at receiving his maiden invitation to the senior national team for the upcoming friendlies against Mexico and Ecuador holding in the United States of America.

In truth the invitation of the FC Hearts Abuja product didn't come as a surprise, with former Nigeria interim boss Augustine Eguavoen, now Technical Director of the Nigerian Federation, stating two months ago that he would hand a call-up to Yusuf after the 2022 World Cup playoff against Ghana.

Eguavoen's trusted associate based in Belgium, Mark brought back glowing reports about Yusuf after running the rule over the the Royal Antwerp young star.

Yusuf's career has been on the rise since moving to Europe, winning the 2019 Allsvenskan Newcomer of the Year before earning a move to Antwerp, for whom he made appearances in the Europa League this season.

Speaking to Royal Antwerp media before the league match vs Anderlecht, Yusuf said : "I'm very happy, very excited because it's a dream come true for me to represent my country."

The 21-year-old praised his teammates for assisting him to integrate into the Royal Antwerp team following his move from IFK Göteborg in July 2021.

"Actually, it's really difficult but the guys make it easier. They are good teammates, for sure it's going to be easier," Yusuf added.

This season, Yusuf has featured in 37 matches across all competitions for Royal Antwerp and was in action for 2,369 minutes.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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