'We love each other' – NPFL goal king believes togetherness is Nigeria's secret weapon at CHAN

Nasarawa United striker Anas Yusuf has expressed confidence and a strong desire to lead Nigeria’s Super Eagles B to success at the 2024 African Nations Championship, ahead of their opening Group D match against Senegal on Tuesday, August 5.

Yusuf, the Nigeria Premier Football League’s top scorer with 18 goals last season, was one of the standout names selected in coach Eric Chelle’s final 23-man squad.

Reflecting on his journey to the tournament, he said: "My hard work and my performance, I know that, yes, I believe that I’ll be selected among the 23-man squad."

The young striker, who featured in Nigeria’s CHAN qualifiers, is no stranger to the national team setup.

"Seriously, as I used to say it earlier, the camp was very good and I experienced a lot of things," he said.

"Because this is my—if I’m not mistaken—this is my second time because I played the qualifier and this is the main tournament. I experienced a lot."

Yusuf also spoke about the evolution of the squad's spirit since the start of preparations.

"Before, we are like rivals. But now, as we are representing the green-white-green, I think we love each other—mostly we love each other."

He believes that this unity could be the key to a successful campaign.

"So I think with the love that we have for each other, we will get something," he said.

Looking ahead to the tournament, Yusuf didn’t shy away from stating his ultimate objective.

"My ambition is to win the CHAN. Because I can't say much about it, but let me just say my ambition—I just want to win the CHAN with my country.”

Nigeria are drawn in a challenging group that includes Senegal, Sudan, and Congo.

With Yusuf leading the line, the Super Eagles B will be hoping to make a strong start in Zanzibar and go all the way to secure the nation’s first-ever CHAN title.

Wale Adejumo

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