Alhassan went into the training camp in Cyprus with anticipation

The meeting with Abdullahi Shebu, a defender for Anorthosis Famagusta, will take place on January 24^th in the form of a friendly match. The two Africans know each other from joint team training in their homeland. "Ibra" played his first international game for Nigeria during the summer of 2017 against Togo – 3-0.

During the fall Alhassan was on call for the 2018 World Cup starter (opponents in Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia) and hopes to be able to go to Russia during the summer.

"Strengthened return and ready for kick-off"

The Nigerian manager Gernot Rohr has Alhassan, who keeps in touch with many teammates on his radar. "He gives many players a chance, does not drop anyone," says Alhassan about the German. In Cyprus, he can lay the foundation, to maybe get one of the desired World Cup tickets in the spring.

The training camp is very important, not just for him. "For all players of Austria Wien. We will give everything we have there. We want to return to Vienna strengthened and ready for kick-off, "said our midfielder, who played 19 competitive games (2 goals / 1 assist) during the fall.

Alhassan is looking forward to spring

Just as the U20 Africa Champion of 2015 looks forward to seeing Shebu again, he is looking forward to the start of the tipico Bundesliga in Austria. For us the spring season begins on February 4^th (4:30 PM) with the 325^th Derby in Hütteldorf. Against the city rivals, he played twice within three days at the Happel Stadium in October.

The 21-year-old played full time during the 0-1 and during the 1-2 in the UNIQA ÖFB Cup and scored our only goal with a header after a cross by Serbest. "We want to take revenge, get three points, a tie is our minimum target."

Of course, he hope for three points, the spirit in the team is high, very positive. "We will throw everything in the balance, a fight by hook and crook," says Alhassan before his first appearance in the new Allianz Stadium, where Austria Wien is still unbeaten (2-1-0 / 6-2 goals).

Target: A comeback with the victory in the Derby

This result is to be extended. "A victroy would be a boost for the whole club, the players and the fans. A successful start could trigger a comeback," Alhassan believes and has not given up hope for an UEFA Europa League starting place in 2018/19 same as all “Violets”.

"We work a lot and hard to prepare for the first competitive game and the following 15 laps," Alhassan said.

The three new arrivals - Stefan Stangl, Patrizio Stronati and Michael Madl - would in his opinion give the whole team a positive impulse. The Nigerian set one himself: in his first test match against SC Wr. Neustadt he scored as an attacking midfielder and celebrated a 6-2 victory.

Nigeria legend Kanu is "Ibra’s" idol

The goal would give him a lift, assured Alhassan, who is compared to Nwankwo Kanu in his homeland. The ex-star of Ajax, Inter and Arsenal is a legend in Nigeria - a hero. Kanu, whom "Ibra" already adored and followed as a little boy, is his idol.

To be named with a former world-class striker is for Alhassan "not a burden, but rather a great honor". In addition, he is not a striker like his role model, but a midfielder. Prior to joining FK Austria Wien, he scored 12 goals in the top Nigerian professional league of Akwa United - where Ibra mostly played in the attacking midfield.

Six months of intensive work

Meanwhile, he feels comfortable in the defensive midfield, where he has been mostly playing for the “Violets”: "I give my best anywhere, where ever the coach uses me and believes I can help the team."

Alhassan has a loan agreement until the end of the season. Austria Wien then has the option to purchase. "I have six months of intensive work ahead of me. During this time I give my best for Austria Wien and can show my talent in Europe. That's the most important thing for the club and me. Everything else we will see afterwards ", the Nigerian concentrates fully on his job for the “Violets”.

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