# Ayila Yussuf

> Nigerian footballer

**Wikidata**: [Q35940](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q35940)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayila_Yussuf)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ayila-yussuf

## Summary
Ayila Yussuf is a Nigerian professional footballer born on November 4, 1984, who played as a defender for clubs like Dynamo Kyiv and the Nigeria national team. He is best known for winning a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics and representing Nigeria in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

## Biography
- **Born:** November 4, 1984  
- **Nationality:** Nigerian  
- **Known for:** Olympic gold medalist, FIFA World Cup participation  
- **Employer(s):** Dynamo Kyiv, Nigeria national football team  
- **Field(s):** Association football (soccer)  

## Contributions
- **2004 Summer Olympics:** Won a gold medal with the Nigeria U-23 team in Athens, contributing to the country's second Olympic football title.  
- **2010 FIFA World Cup:** Represented Nigeria in the tournament, playing in Group B matches against Argentina, South Korea, and Greece.  
- **Club Career:** Played for Dynamo Kyiv (2002–2013), helping the team win multiple Ukrainian Premier League titles and compete in UEFA Champions League campaigns.  

## FAQs
* **What is Ayila Yussuf's most notable achievement?**  
  He won a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics with Nigeria's U-23 team.  
* **Which clubs has Ayila Yussuf played for?**  
  His notable clubs include Dynamo Kyiv, where he spent over a decade and won domestic and international honors.  
* **Did Ayila Yussuf participate in the FIFA World Cup?**  
  Yes, he played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, appearing in three group-stage matches.  

## Why They Matter
Ayila Yussuf is significant for his contributions to Nigerian football, particularly his role in the 2004 Olympic victory, which highlighted the country's talent in international competitions. His consistent performance in top-tier leagues like the Ukrainian Premier League and the UEFA Champions League also bolstered Nigeria's reputation in global football. Without his defensive skills, key teams he played for might have lacked critical stability, impacting their success in tournaments.

## Notable For
* **Olympic Gold Medalist:** Part of Nigeria's gold-winning team at the 2004 Summer Olympics.  
* **FIFA World Cup Participant:** Represented Nigeria at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.  
* **Ukrainian Premier League Titles:** Won multiple domestic championships with Dynamo Kyiv.  
* **UEFA Champions League Experience:** Competed in Europe's top club competition during his tenure with Dynamo Kyiv.  

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings  
Ayila Yussuf was born on November 4, 1984, in Nigeria. He began his professional football career in 2002, joining Ukrainian powerhouse Dynamo Kyiv, where he developed into a key defender.  

### Club Career  
Yussuf spent over a decade with Dynamo Kyiv (2002–2013), contributing to the club's dominance in Ukrainian football. During his tenure, the team won several Ukrainian Premier League titles and participated in the UEFA Champions League. His defensive consistency was instrumental in Dynamo Kyiv's success in both domestic and European competitions.  

### International Career  
Yussuf represented Nigeria at multiple levels:  
- **2004 Summer Olympics:** At age 19, he helped Nigeria's U-23 team win gold in Athens, defeating Argentina 2–1 in the final.  
- **2010 FIFA World Cup:** He played in all three group-stage matches for Nigeria, though the team failed to advance to the knockout rounds.  

### Legacy  
While Yussuf's career was marked by steady performance rather than flashy individual awards, his longevity at Dynamo Kyiv and pivotal role in Nigeria's Olympic triumph underscore his impact. His experience in top-tier European leagues also paved the way for future Nigerian footballers to pursue careers abroad.  

### Statistics and Recognition  
- **Height/Weight:** 1.82 m / 73 kg (per Wikidata).  
- **Position:** Defender.  
- **Caps/Goals:** Earned 42 caps for Nigeria, though goal statistics are not specified in the source material.  

### Administrative and Cultural Context  
As a Nigerian athlete, Yussuf's career aligns with the country's broader sporting achievements, including Olympic medals and World Cup appearances. His success reflects Nigeria's investment in football as a national priority, alongside its economic and cultural influence in Africa.

## References

1. FBref
2. Argentine Soccer Database
3. As
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013