Alhassan Yusuf's Antwerp win royale battle vs Boniface's Union SG

Royal Antwerp are now firmly in the title race in the Belgian Jupiler following an outstanding performance at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday.

Antwerp produced an excellent display to dispatch the former Europa League campaigners Saint-Gilloise 2-0 in the battle of the royals.

Nigerian duo of Alhassan Yusuf and Victor Boniface were in action with the former and his teammates taking home all three points.

Two first half goals from Jurgen Ekkelenkamp and Mandela Keita saw Antwerp move within just three points of leaders Genk in the playoffs.

It was a comedy of errors from the home side, who started their Nigerian forward, Boniface, for the encounter.

But the 22-year-old was expertly caged by the visitors before he was subbed off in the 60th minute as Union SG tried all their cards to salvage something from the game.

However, while the young forward enjoyed more minutes despite having a quiet outing, his compatriot Yusuf was only handed a cameo appearance by Antwerp as he came on in added time.

The game was the first of the playoff for the Nigerian duo who are chasing their fellow Nigeria, Gift Orban, and his Genk side who are at the top of the standings.