Meet Mubaraq Gata, Nigeria’s version of Kylian Mbappe

Mubaraq Gata of ABS FC

Mubaraq Gata is gradually developing a reputation as one of Nigeria’s brightest stars.

Like Monaco starlet Kylian Mbappe, who stunned the whole of Europe last season, 14-year-old Gata is having similar effect in the junior cadre of Nigerian football.

Born in Ilorin, Kwara Sate, Gata is from a footballing family, with two of his brothers professional footballers.

The eldest, Ismaila, is on the books of Enyimba FC, while the other, Adeshina is signed to Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC.

Gata came into limelight following his impressive displays at the inaugural NPFL U-15 tournament last month.

The youngster was simply exceptional as he led ABS FC to the title.

His incredible showing caught the attention of several Nigerian sides.

But eventually, the teenager settled for ABS.

“I am delighted to join ABS because if you are young and want to develop your career, this where you need to be,” Gata said during his unveiling on Friday.

“I like this team and I want to be one of the best through this club. I will work hard to get a place in the main team sooner than expected by God grace. I am looking forward to joining my teammates soon.”

Like Mbappe, Gata is adept to playing anywhere in attack and processes a ferocious left foot.

No wonder the Saraki Boys were delighted to have won his signature.

“Don’t forget that the policy of the club is to promote the youth through football and give them the opportunity to play at the highest level,” the club’s Director of Football, Alloy Chukwuemeka, revealed.

“We are happy to have the new Gata, who I believe is more a future superb player than the two Gatas we used to know.”