Real reason Chelle omitted Alhassan Yusuf from 2027 AFCON qualifiers squad

Super Eagles midfielder Alhassan Yusuf will miss Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau later this month after he was left out of head coach Eric Chelle’s squad, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Franco-Malian coach released two separate squad lists for Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures, with one covering the AFCON qualifiers and another for the friendly against Russia next month.

Several key players have returned to the squad, while some notable names have also been left out. One of the major absentees is Yusuf, with the New England Revolution midfielder missing from the team despite being tipped to make the squad.

Yusuf made his Super Eagles debut in 2024 during the 2023 AFCON tournament. He started Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea but was eventually substituted after sustaining an injury during the match.

Super Eagles midfielder Alhassan Yusuf. Photo by IMAGO

The 26-year-old was also an important member of Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 Unity Cup, where he played a key role as the Super Eagles won the tournament.

Yusuf impressed during the semi-final victory over Zimbabwe, but he saved his best performance for the final, where he scored twice to help Nigeria secure a fourth straight Unity Cup title.

However, the midfielder will have to wait longer for his next appearance for the Super Eagles after Chelle left him out of the squad for the upcoming fixtures.

Key reason Chelle left out Alhassan Yusuf from September AFCON 2027 qualifiers

According to a report by The Blazing Musket, Yusuf is expected to miss up to six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for New England Revolution in their 2-1 victory over New York City FC.

Super Eagles midfielder Alhassan Yusuf. Copyright: xToyinxOshodix IMAGO

The midfielder has already missed one match for the Revolution and is now expected to sit out several more games, dealing a major blow to both his MLS club and the Super Eagles.

Chelle had been hoping to count on Yusuf following his solid form for New England Revolution this season, but his injury has ruled him out of consideration for the upcoming fixtures.

Yusuf will now hope to recover in time to feature in the final matchdays of the MLS season with New England Revolution and would also be targeting a return to the Super Eagles for Nigeria’s remaining AFCON 2027 qualifying matches later in the campaign.

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle. Copyright: ImagoxToyinxOshodix

Meanwhile, Chelle will be hoping Nigeria can make a strong start to their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign when they face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau on the 25th and 29th of this month respectively.