Nigerian duo Alhassan Yusuf and Victor Olatunji delivered standout performances on MLS Decision Day, inspiring New England Revolution and Real Salt Lake to crucial 2-2 draws that sealed dramatic endings to the 2025 regular season.
Alhassan Yusuf leads New England fight
Alhassan Yusuf returned from the international break with impact, scoring New England’s fastest goal of the season just 44 seconds into the game at Gillette Stadium.
The midfielder, previously sidelined during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers, ended a six-month goal drought and dictated the tempo in midfield.
Chicago Fire struck late, but New England’s stoppage-time response — before conceding again — sealed a thrilling 2-2 finale.
Yusuf featured in all 34 games this season, showing off his value in the MLS campaign.
Victor Olatunji’s brace keeps RSL alive
At Energizer Park, Victor Olatunji powered Real Salt Lake into the MLS Cup Playoffs with a brilliant brace against St. Louis City.
The striker struck in the 17th minute and doubled his tally before halftime, showcasing why RSL invested heavily in him.
Although St. Louis battled back for a draw, the result was enough to push RSL into the wildcard round, where they now prepare to face Portland Timbers.
Since arriving from Sparta Prague, Victor Olatunji has transformed RSL’s attack, producing four goals and an assist in just eight appearances.
His form gives the club optimism for a deeper playoff push, while Alhassan Yusuf remains a key figure in New England’s rebuild after another commanding MLS display.
Both Nigerians closed Decision Day as major headline makers — one sealing playoffs, the other finishing the season in style.
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