Anas Yusuf

Anas Yusuf (born 1 February 2004) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Nasarawa United in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). He finished as the league's top scorer in the 2024–25 season, scoring 18 goals and winning the NPFL Golden Boot and Eunisell Boot Award.^[1][2]

In July 2025, he was named in Nigeria's provisional squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).^[3]

Yusuf was born on 1 February 2004 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. He began playing football at age 12 with FC Basira.^[4]

Despite being initially overlooked due to his physical build, Yusuf impressed in non-league competitions and later joined Nasarawa United's youth team in 2018. In 2021, he signed his first professional contract with Wikki Tourists, as then coached by Kabiru Suleiman Dogo.^[5][6]

Yusuf began his professional career with Wikki Tourists in 2021, making his debut in the NPFL. He showed potential with his pace, dribbling, and vision, and featured intermittently during the 2021–22 season.^[7]

He returned to Nasarawa United in January 2022, working under a series of coaches including Bala Nikyu, Usman Adams, and former Super Eagles manager Salisu Yusuf. His breakthrough came in the 2024–25 season, where he scored 18 goals. This tally included two hat-tricks—against El-Kanemi Warriors and Abia Warriors—and multiple match-winning performances.^[8]

Yusuf finished the season as the NPFL's top scorer, winning the Golden Boot. He was also awarded the Eunisell Boot Award, with a cash prize of ₦3.6 million, calculated at ₦200,000 per goal.^[9][10]

In July 2025, Yusuf was selected in the 35-man provisional squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) by Nigeria's Team B (Super Eagles B), managed by Eric Chelle. His inclusion followed a high-scoring domestic campaign. NPFL chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye publicly endorsed Yusuf's potential for future inclusion in Nigeria's main senior team.^[11][12]