In an exclusive interview with Kick Off Nigeria, Abubakar expressed pride in his achievements with the Belgian club and explained his decision to leave despite the club’s upward trajectory.
“Every good thing in life surely has an end. I have waved goodbye to Jong KAA Gent and am proud of what we achieved as a team during my stint with the club. I had a chance of a renewal, as the club will be campaigning in the second-tier league, but I chose to leave now that the ovation is high.”
Future Unclear but Hopes Remain High
Despite his exit, Abubakar revealed that no deal has been finalized for his next step. He remains optimistic that something fitting will emerge in due course.
“No tangible thing at the moment for now. The season just ended, and I believe my agent will come up with something when the time is right—and I will update you,” he concluded.
From Footwork FC to Europe’s Radar
Born February 15, 2006, Abubakar began his career with Nigerian-based side Footwork FC, before bursting onto the international scene with the Nigeria U-17 team in 2023. His performances during that tournament attracted interest from across Europe.
Shortly after, he signed his first professional contract with Belgian giants KAA Gent, starting out with the club’s second team, Jong KAA Gent, competing in the Belgian third-tier league.
A Historic Season in Belgium
Abubakar had a season to remember with Jong KAA Gent. He played a key role in their championship-winning campaign, helping the team secure promotion to Belgium’s Challenger Pro League (second tier).
He ended the season as:
- League Top Scorer – 21 goals in 27 matches
- League Best Player – Voted by coaches and officials
- Promotion Hero – Instrumental in Jong KAA Gent’s rise to second division
His performances have put him on the radar of clubs across Europe, and with free agency looming, the next chapter in Umar Abubakar’s career promises to be a fascinating one.
