1. Early Life and Background
Aminu Umar was born on 6 March 1995, in Abuja, Nigeria. His early life experiences in Nigeria laid the foundation for his professional football career, which began in the Nigerian domestic league before he moved to play internationally.
2. Club career
Aminu Umar's professional football journey began in Nigeria before he moved to Turkey, where he played for several clubs across different divisions, establishing himself as a significant player.
2.1. Wikki Tourists
Umar began his professional career with Wikki Tourists in the Nigeria Premier League, the top tier of Nigerian football. During the 2012-2013 season, he made his mark by scoring one league goal for the club.
2.2. Samsunspor
In the summer 2013 transfer window, at the age of 18, Umar made a significant move to Turkey, joining Samsunspor from Wikki Tourists. In his inaugural season with the Turkish club, he scored four league goals, quickly establishing himself as the preferred striker, surpassing his compatriot Ekigho Ehiosun. However, his tenure at Samsunspor faced challenges, and his contract was eventually terminated after three months without receiving pay.
2.3. Osmanslıspor
On 10 January 2015, Umar joined Osmanlıspor, a rival club seeking promotion, on a free transfer, signing a 3.5-year contract. He made his debut in continental competition on 21 July 2016, during the Europa League qualifiers, where he notably scored a hat-trick against Moldovan side Zimbru. Osmanlıspor successfully advanced to the 2016-17 UEFA Europa League group stage, and Umar continued to contribute, netting a goal in their first group stage match against FCSB, contributing to a 2-0 victory.
2.3.1. Loan to Rizespor
On 27 July 2018, Aminu Umar moved to Çaykur Rizespor, a recently promoted club, on a one-year loan deal from Osmanlıspor.
2.4. Rizespor
Following his successful loan spell, Aminu Umar permanently joined Çaykur Rizespor on 4 September 2019, signing a three-year contract. His contributions during his loan period were instrumental in helping the club avoid relegation. However, his time at Rizespor was also marked by a significant injury; he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that sidelined him for the entire 2020-21 season.
2.5. Bodrumspor
On 12 January 2023, Umar signed with Bodrumspor, a club in the second division (TFF First League), on a free transfer. His contract extended until the end of the season, and he contributed to the team during his brief period there.
2.6. Tuzlaspor
Most recently, on 15 September 2023, Aminu Umar joined Tuzlaspor on a free transfer, continuing his career in the Turkish football league system.
3. International career
Aminu Umar has proudly represented Nigeria at various youth levels and the senior national team. He was a prominent player for the Nigeria national under-20 football team. In the 2013 African Youth Championship, he was the leading scorer with four goals. He continued his impressive performance at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup finals held in Turkey, where he scored two goals.
His international career progressed when he was selected for Nigeria's 35-man provisional squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. During the tournament, Umar scored a crucial second goal against Denmark in the quarter-finals, which secured Nigeria's place in the semi-finals of the competition.
4. Major Achievements and Awards
Aminu Umar's career has been highlighted by several significant achievements, particularly at the international level.
- Olympic Bronze Medal: 2016 Rio de Janeiro (with Nigeria U23)
5. Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | Europe | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Samsunspor | 2013-14 | TFF First League | 36 | 7 | 0 | 0 | - | 36 | 7 | |
| 2014-15 | TFF First League | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | - | 10 | 1 | ||
| Total | 45 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 46 | 8 | ||
| Osmanlıspor | 2014-15 | TFF First League | 17 | 4 | 0 | 0 | - | 17 | 4 | |
| 2015-16 | Süper Lig | 28 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 8 | |
| 2016-17 | Süper Lig | 25 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 10 | 4 | 39 | 9 | |
| 2017-18 | Süper Lig | 31 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 6 | |
| Total | 101 | 22 | 8 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 119 | 27 | ||
| Çaykur Rizespor (loan) | 2018-19 | Süper Lig | 31 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 6 |
| Çaykur Rizespor | 2019-20 | Süper Lig | 18 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 3 |
| 2020-21 | Süper Lig | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2021-22 | Süper Lig | 26 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 1 | |
| Total | 75 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 79 | 10 | ||
| Bodrumspor | 2022-23 | TFF First League | 16 | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | 16 | 2 | |
| Tuzlaspor | 2023-24 | TFF First League | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | |
| Career total | 238 | 42 | 13 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 261 | 47 | ||
6. Influence
Aminu Umar's career demonstrates a consistent presence in professional football, particularly within the Turkish league system, following his foundational years in Nigeria. His ability to adapt to a foreign league at a young age, as seen with Samsunspor where he quickly became a preferred striker, highlights his early impact. His contributions to Osmanlıspor, including a hat-trick in the Europa League qualifiers and a goal in the group stage, showcased his capability on a continental stage, bringing visibility to the club.
Furthermore, his role in helping Çaykur Rizespor avoid relegation during his loan and subsequent permanent move underscores his value as a team player. Despite a significant injury that sidelined him for a season, Umar's return to play for Bodrumspor and Tuzlaspor reflects his resilience and continued dedication to the sport. On the international front, his goal-scoring prowess for the Nigerian U-20 team and his crucial goal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, which propelled Nigeria into the semi-finals and ultimately to a bronze medal, cemented his contribution to Nigerian football at a national level. His journey from a young talent in Nigeria to an experienced player in Turkey, with notable international achievements, has made him a recognizable figure in Nigerian football.
