Yusuf Lawal: 36 Lion graduate Yusuf Lawal joins Portuguese side Arouca

Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit, Futebol Clube de Arouca have announced the signing of Yusuf Lawal on a three-and-a-half year from Neftchi Baku for an undisclosed fee.

The Portuguese club currently sit in sixth position with 26 points and could play in Europe next season, hoping to continue the strong performances as they reinforced with the multi dimensional Nigerian player.

The 24-year-old is a graduate of the 36 Lion youth sector, representing the team at U10, U13, U15, U17 and U19 levels, before moving abroad in August of 2017.

After a solid development process, the promising striker topped the radar of top clubs across European and top leagues but Lawal settled for Belgian based side, Lokeren where he signed up a three-year contract.

Nicknamed Obagoal because of the similarity in his play to Obafemi Martins, Lawal made his professional debut for Lokeren in a 3-0 Belgian First Division A win over Eupen on 14 April 2018.

After 22 apperances in the colours of Lokeren, Lawal who was in need of fresh challenge landed in Azerbaijan on the 16th of July 2020 where he signed a two-year contract with Azerbaijan Premier League side Neftçi PFK and went ahead to win the Premier League title.

He scored 9 goals and registered 19 assists with the club.