Umar Abubakar has been honoured as KAA Gent’s Youth Player of the Season after a sensational year that saw him score 21 goals in 27 appearances for the Belgian club’s youth side. The 18 year old striker, originally from Kano, Nigeria, has quickly become one of the most talked-about young talents in Belgian football.
His journey began at Footwork FC in Nigeria, where his raw ability and goal-scoring instincts caught the eye. He later represented Nigeria at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, a milestone that led to his move to Belgium. Since joining Jong KAA Gent, Abubakar has taken the First Amateur Division by storm with a potent mix of physicality, technique, and maturity in the final third.
Standing at 1.90 metres, Abubakar is not just a target man his mobility, hold-up play, and calm finishing have made him a nightmare for defences. His coaches praise his humility and relentless work ethic, with many tipping him for a breakthrough into the senior team sooner rather than later.
As Nigeria looks to the future of its national team, Abubakar’s performances have already earned the attention of fans and scouts back home. His current form suggests the best is yet to come.
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Editorial
Umar Abubakar’s rise is more than a personal success it’s a blueprint for what structured grassroots development and international exposure can achieve. His performances in Belgium are not just goals on a stat sheet; they are loud declarations that Nigerian talent belongs at the highest level.
What stands out about Abubakar is not just the numbers though 21 goals in 27 games is remarkable—but the way he plays. He blends physical presence with a sharp football mind. This is not a player surviving on instinct alone; this is a forward who understands the art of goal-scoring.
His story also raises a wider conversation: how can Nigeria harness such talent more efficiently? Abubakar came through an academy, represented the country at youth level, and transitioned to Europe. This is a clear, replicable path. The challenge is creating more support structures that make such success sustainable, not occasional.
KAA Gent may have discovered a gem, but Nigeria must now keep close watch. This is not just a youth prospect; this is a future Super Eagle in waiting. And if the right steps are taken, we may be looking at the next great Nigerian number 9.
Did You Know?
- KAA Gent’s youth system has produced top talents like Jonathan David, who now plays for Lille and the Canadian national team.
- Umar Abubakar scored in six consecutive matches during a mid-season run that helped Jong KAA Gent push for playoff qualification.
- The Belgian First Amateur Division, where Abubakar plays, is the third tier of Belgian football but is highly competitive and well-scouted by top-tier clubs.
- Nigeria’s U17 team at the 2023 AFCON, where Abubakar featured, was scouted by more than 50 European clubs.
- Footwork FC, where Abubakar began his journey, is also known for producing players who’ve moved to Scandinavian leagues before progressing to top-tier European clubs.
