Aliyu Abubakar Returns to Nasarawa United: A Bold Move to Rescue the Relegation-Bound Club

Nasarawa United has made a significant addition to their squad by signing Jos-born attacking midfielder Aliyu Abubakar, a move that has sparked intrigue among fans and football analysts alike. Known for his technical prowess and versatility, Abubakar’s decision to join the struggling NPFL side has drawn attention, especially given his impressive stint at Shooting Stars SC (3SC) of Ibadan.

Aliyu Abubakar during his unveiling at Nasarawa United FC.

At 3SC, Abubakar made 11 appearances in the first stanza of the NPFL, contributing one goal and one assist. His ability to operate across multiple positions in midfield and on the wings made him a vital asset to the team, which ended the first half of the season in third place on the table. Despite his contributions, Abubakar expressed a desire for more playing time and a change of environment.

In an exclusive interview with Futball Naija, Abubakar shed light on his surprising move to Nasarawa United, currently languishing at the bottom of the league with just 19 points from 18 games after a three-point deduction due to crowd troubles.

“In all honesty, I wanted a change of environment,” he explained. “We had one or two personal issues at 3SC during the first stanza. But more importantly, I started my career at Nasarawa United, and now that they need help, I believe I can contribute to their survival.”

Abubakar dismissed suggestions that his decision was financially motivated, emphasizing his loyalty to the club where his professional journey began. “I had many offers from other teams, but I chose Nasarawa United to help them in this critical time. With the recruitment of new players and the quality already in the squad, I believe by God’s grace we will escape relegation.”

A natural ball carrier with a knack for line-breaking passes, Abubakar is expected to bring creativity and leadership to Nasarawa United’s midfield. His arrival coincides with the club’s efforts to strengthen their squad in the second stanza of the NPFL, as they aim to claw their way out of the relegation zone.

Nasarawa United’s struggles this season have been evident, but Abubakar remains optimistic. “The current squad is young and talented, and with the addition of experienced players, we are destined for greatness in the second stanza of the league,” he said confidently.

As Nasarawa United gears up for a challenging second half of the season, all eyes will be on Abubakar to see if his technical gifts and experience can inspire the team to safety. His return to the club is not just a homecoming but a statement of commitment and belief in the team’s potential to overcome adversity.

The NPFL relegation battle just got a lot more interesting, and with Abubakar leading the charge, Nasarawa United might just have found their beacon of hope.