A breakout performance for the ages by 19-year-old Yusuf Abdullahi has stunned Nigeria’s premier football league and has moved the teenage striker into the national spotlight.
Abdullahi erupted for 5 goals on Sunday, leading Kano Pillars Football Club to a thrilling 5-2 comeback victory over Gombe United in Week 11 of league play. The young phenom relentlessly attacked Gombe’s defence, showing dazzling moves that left opponents grasping at air.
His onslaught began in the 20th minute, blasting home an opening goal that gave Pillars belief. Abdullahi brought the fans to their feet again just before halftime, completing a brace to send his club into the locker room with momentum.
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After the break, the teenage torchbearer punished Gombe with ruthless efficiency – his sublime first touch and blistering acceleration allowing him to complete a hat trick in the 52nd minute.
Smelling blood in the water, Abdullahi refused to let up. In the 70th minute he spun past two defenders before firing a laser into the top corner. And he saved his best for last, embarrassing the keeper in the 85th minute by deftly chopping the ball home to finalize a mind-blowing 5 goals.
Abdullahi’s dominant display marked the first “over hat-trick” in Nigeria’s top flight since December 2019. It also thrust him into the race for the league’s Golden Boot award.
With European scouts surely watching intently after this breakout game, the ceiling appears limitless for 19-year-old Yusuf Abdullahi.
Abdullahi’s amazing 5-goal explosion shows he has the natural ability to become Nigeria’s next soccer superstar. His speed and skill made scoring look easy, similar to legend Rashidi Yekini in his prime years.
