Anas Yusuf (born 1 February 2004) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward. 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.
In July 2025, he was named in Nigeria's provisional squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Early life and youth career Yusuf was born on 1 February 2004 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. He began playing football at age 12 with FC Basira.
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.
Club career
Wikki Tourists 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.
Nasarawa United 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.
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.
JS Saoura On 31 January 2026, he joined Algerian club JS Saoura.
International career 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.
Career statistics
Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational CupContinentalOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsNasarawa United2018Nigeria Professional Football League10———102019Nigeria Professional Football League164———1642019–20Nigeria Professional Football League183———1832020–21Nigeria Professional Football League122———122Total479———479Wikki Tourists2021–22Nigeria Professional Football League142———142Nasarawa United2022–23Nigeria Professional Football League81———812024–25Nigeria Professional Football League3418———34182025–26Nigeria Professional Football League51———51Total4720———4720Career total1083100000010831
International
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsNigeria202521Total21
Scores and results list Nigeria's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Yusuf goal. + List of international goals scored by Anas YusufNo.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition 1 19 August 2025 Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Miburani, Tanzania 0–1 0–2African Nations Championship
References