Famalicão have completed the signing of Nigerian striker Umar Abubakar on a five-year contract, a significant step forward in the teenager’s rapidly rising career, Footynaija.com reports.
The 19-year-old arrives in Portugal after an impressive campaign with Belgian outfit Gent’s B team, where he racked up 21 goals in 27 appearances — form that played a pivotal role in helping his side win their league title.
Despite his impact, Gent chose not to retain him permanently, paving the way for a fresh opportunity with Famalicão in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
️ As primeiras declarações de Umar Abubakar
⚪️ #CapitulodeAmbicao #amordeperdicao pic.twitter.com/JnKKbUWyTl
— Futebol Clube de Famalicão (@FCF1931_Oficial) July 14, 2025
Born and raised in Nigeria, Abubakar honed his skills at local academy Footwork FC before making the move to Belgium. He’s already represented Nigeria at both U-17 and U-20 levels, boosting his pedigree and potential at international level.
Speaking after his unveiling, Abubakar expressed delight at his new adventure:
“I’m very happy to have signed for Futebol Clube de Famalicão. I know it’s a good team, made up of good players, some of whom are very young, and led by a strong coaching staff,” he said.
“It’s a club that has had good championships in Portuguese football and has the ability to provide top-notch conditions for its players to enhance their quality.”
He added: “I hope to integrate into the team as quickly as possible and be part of a strong group. I’m committed to working hard to help us have a very good season.”
Abubakar describes himself as “a box-to-box striker, good with his head and eager to take advantage of opportunities to score goals and contribute to collective success.”
Famalicão, who finished seventh in last season’s Primeira Liga, see Abubakar as a key figure in their push for European qualification in the 2025/26 campaign.
His arrival also marks a historic milestone, as he becomes the club’s first Nigerian to play in Portugal’s top flight. Previous compatriots Philip Chidi Onyemah and Friday Ngbe featured for Famalicão during their time in the lower divisions, but never in the Primeira Liga.