Atanda Ayila Yussuf (born 4 November 1984) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a central defender or defensive midfielder. A former Nigerian youth international player, Yussuf moved to Ukrainian Premier League Dynamo Kyiv from Nigerian side Union Bank in 2003. Despite injuries, Yussuf became a regular for both Dynamo Kyiv and the Nigeria national team. He joined Metalist Kharkiv on loan in 2014.

Club career

Early career

At 16 years of age, Yussuf signed his first professional contract with Enyimba International he then continued his career with Union Bank his selection in senior teams drew the attention of the youth national team coaches.

Dynamo Kyiv

After drawing interest from clubs like PSV Eindhoven and VfB Stuttgart, Yussuf signed with Dynamo Kyiv in July 2003. On 5 August, he made his debut in the club's reserve team, FC Dynamo-2 Kyiv, against FC Polissya Zhytomyr. Less than two months later, on 21 September, Yussef made his senior team debut against Zirka Kirovohrad. A serious knee injury ended his 2003–04 season. On 16 September 2004, he made his first appearance in the UEFA Champions League for FC Dynamo Kyiv in a match against Roma. Since the second half of the 2011–12 season, Yussuf has struggled to maintain a place in the first team and was loaned to Turkish Süper Lig side Orduspor on 31 January 2013. After a loan spell in Turkey, he still had not regained a first-team spot and played for the reserve team of Dynamo Kyiv, Dynamo-2 Kyiv. On 18 February 2014, he joined league rivals Metalist Kharkiv on a loan deal until the end of the year.

Career statistics