Kano State-born footballer Umar Abubakar is proving that football can be much more than a game as he leads an ambitious grassroots initiative designed to discover, develop and empower the next generation of Nigerian talents.
Through the UA9 Football Foundation, Abubakar is building a platform that combines football development with education, discipline, character building and youth empowerment.
Read Also: “Abuja Has Been Waiting for This!” — Customers Thrill to Saheeto Signature Grill Hub’s New Wuse 2 Experience
The foundation’s vision goes beyond producing footballers. Its mission is to help young people become confident, responsible and disciplined individuals while creating pathways that can potentially transform their lives through sport and education.
At the heart of the initiative is a story Abubakar knows personally.
The foundation is connected to the journey of Umar Abubakar the footballer, a Nigerian attacker currently playing for Portuguese club Famalicão. His own rise from Nigerian grassroots football to professional football in Europe provides an inspiring example of what can happen when young talent receives the right opportunity, guidance and support.
A graduate of Footwork FC of Abuja, Abubakar also represented the Nigeria U17 national team before taking his career abroad.
His European journey included development with Belgian side KAA Gent, where he continued to sharpen his footballing abilities before making another significant move.
In 2025, he signed his first professional contract with Famalicão, turning years of hard work and perseverance into a major career milestone.
Now, the experience gained along that journey is helping shape the philosophy behind UA9 Football Foundation.
“I know what it means for a young player to have a dream but need someone to believe in that dream. UA9 is about creating those opportunities and helping young people understand that football can open doors, but education, discipline and character are equally important,” Abubakar said.
The foundation is particularly focused on grassroots talent identification, providing young players with opportunities to develop their football abilities while encouraging them to remain committed to their education.
Its broader vision is to create a sustainable pathway where talented youngsters can receive guidance and exposure while families and communities also benefit from the positive impact of youth development.
For Abubakar, his own journey from Nigeria to professional football in Portugal has reinforced the importance of having the right support system at an early age.
UA9 Football Foundation now hopes to replicate that pathway for many more young Nigerians who dream of playing football at the highest level.
The initiative also carries a strong message for parents and communities: develop the child, not just the footballer.
By combining football, education, mentorship and empowerment, UA9 is positioning itself as a platform focused on building young people who can contribute positively to their families and communities, whether or not they ultimately become professional footballers.
From Kano to Abuja and eventually Europe, Umar Abubakar’s story demonstrates the possibilities that can emerge when talent meets opportunity.
Through UA9 Football Foundation, he is now determined to ensure that more young Nigerians get the opportunity to write their own stories.
One child. One family. One community at a time.
