Egyptian club threatens Nigerian, Moruf Yusuf, to naturalise or quit

Egyptian Premier League side Zamalek is considering naturalising Nigerian midfielder Moruf Yusuf to retain his services.

Reports in the north African nation claim that president Mortada Mansour is considering taking the move as the 25-year-old is reportedly close to leaving the club due to the foreign players’ quota.

The Whites currently have five foreign players in Tunisian duo Hamdi Nagguez and Ferjani Sassi, Morocco’s Hamid Ahaddad, Kabongo Kasongo of DR Congo and Yusuf.

It is reported that Zamalek have started the proceedings of helping Yusuf to get Egyptian citizenship as the club want to honour the player in the light of his commitment and discipline over the past couple of years.

Ever since his move to Zamalek from Ittihad Al-Shorta in 2014, the central midfielder has been an integral part of the team’s setup despite the several managerial changes the team has undergone.

Although he was called up by the Nigerian national team last year, he didn’t play, meaning he could still represent the Pharoahs if he is granted the citizenship.

Yusuf joined the White Knights in the summer of 2014 and has played 133 matches for them, scoring seven and assisting 14 times.

He was part of the Zamalek team which achieved the domestic double in 2015, as well as winning the Egypt Cup twice and the Egypt Cup once.