Portuguese club Futebol Clube Famalicão has announced the signing of Nigerian striker Umar Abubakar on a five-year contract.
The 19-year-old forward arrives from Belgian side KAA Ghent, where he spent the previous season playing for their B team, and will now look to further his career in Portugal’s Primeira Liga.
Abubakar’s move to Famalicão follows a remarkable rise through the ranks of Belgian football. After developing his skills at Footwork FC, a youth academy in Nigeria, the striker made his professional debut with Ghent’s reserve team, where he quickly made a name for himself.
His goal-scoring form in the Belgian second tier was nothing short of sensational—netting 21 goals in just 27 appearances. This impressive tally helped Ghent’s B team clinch the league title, with Abubakar’s contributions proving pivotal to their success.
His performances have caught the attention of not only club football but also the Nigerian national team. Abubakar has earned caps for both the Nigerian Under-17 and Under-20 sides, further solidifying his reputation as one of the country’s top young prospects.
His selection for these age-group teams highlights his potential and suggests that he could have a bright future ahead, both domestically and internationally.
Famalicão, known for developing young talent, will be hoping Abubakar’s raw potential translates to success in Portugal.
The club, which finished mid-table in the Primeira Liga last season, has shown an appetite for investing in promising players, and Abubakar fits perfectly into their long-term strategy.
His speed, technical ability, and goal-scoring prowess are expected to make an immediate impact on the team’s attacking options.
In a statement following the announcement, Famalicão expressed their excitement at adding a player of Abubakar’s calibre to their squad.
“We are delighted to welcome Umar to the club. His talent and goal-scoring abilities will be a valuable asset to our squad as we continue to grow and compete at the highest level,” said the club’s sporting director.
For Abubakar, this move represents a significant step in his career. After a breakout season in Belgium, the striker will now look to prove himself in one of Europe’s top leagues.
The opportunity to play in the Primeira Liga is a considerable one, offering him exposure to a higher level of competition and the chance to further develop his game.
The young forward’s combination of physicality, pace, and finishing ability makes him an exciting prospect for Famalicão, and his signing is likely to boost the club’s attacking options.
Abubakar’s transition to Portuguese football will be one of the most closely watched storylines for both the club and Nigerian football fans, eager to see how his talent evolves in a more competitive European environment.
As Umar Abubakar embarks on this new chapter of his career, the pressure will be on him to adapt quickly to the demands of the Primeira Liga.
His signing represents a bold investment by Famalicão, and the hope is that Abubakar’s goal-scoring form will continue as he adjusts to life in Portugal, eventually helping the club to achieve greater success in the league.
🫵 Umar Abubakar assina por cinco temporadas
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— Futebol Clube de Famalicão (@FCF1931_Oficial) July 14, 2025
