You won’t find his name trending on Ghanaian social media. He’s not the face of any boot deal, and chances are, you’ve never seen him play. But somewhere between the sun-scorched pitches of Asempanaye — a village in the Offinso North district of the Ashanti Region — and the modest home of his impoverished family, an 18-year-old named Abdul Bashiru Hussein has been quietly writing his own script: one goal, one run, one silent statement at a time.
Hussein’s football journey began like most of the African footballers. On the sandy pitches and usually barefooted, he and his compatriots turned out for various youth football clubs. They just enjoyed playing the game and were content with tips or being carried on shoulders as a reward for standout performance. That was about all the game had for them.
With each subtle dribble and feathery touch, the reality of his dark and precarious world would slowly drift away into the abyss. Goals would be scored and joy would reign supreme. In those moments he was free and innocent; a mindstate that all children should be afforded, but far too many are robbed of. This love of the game and the subsequent skills birthed from it would become evident to anyone inclined to take a gander.
It was on these pitches that he first caught the eye of onlookers around the country. His solid attacking displays were a product of fantastic athleticism and an innate ability to read the game.
It is easier to count the number of clubs which weren’t interested in signing the young forward than those that tried to acquire him after his consistent impressive showings but it was lower tier side Twin City FC that won the race to sign him on.
Adjusting to life away from his family in his new, unfamiliar surroundings did not come easily. While Hussein may have been the talk of the town in Asempanaeye, at Twin City he was one of many talented prospects scratching and clawing to make the first team.
Instead of cowering, Hussein thrived, developing his creative majesty and tapping into a mental fortitude that he didn’t know existed. Fierce shooting with either foot, a constant threat in the air and a finely tuned predatory instinct in the box combine to make Hussein a complete forward.
He continued his goal scoring exploits at Twin City FC bettering his own goal-scoring records year after year and landed a deal Ghanaian topflight side Nsoatreman FC.
The allure of playing in Ghana’s elite division was tough to ignore but his parents believed their son’s development would be better served with more time at home.
Some few weeks later a call was made to the Hussein household, a verbal agreement was swiftly made between brief bouts of delirium induced by the extraordinary nature of the call, and another cross-city move was soon made, this time allowing Hussein to link up with Baseke Holy Stars on a season-long loan.
He didn’t just show up — he delivered. In 30 games, Hussein scored 10 goals, provided eight assists, and picked up four MVP awards, playing a pivotal role in guiding Holy Stars to their first-ever promotion to Ghana’s top flight.
At Holy Stars, he was viewed as a master craftsman who knew how to draw the ball to him inside the box, he infiltrated space with the agility and stealth of a cunning cat burglar, and was equally adept at capitalising on the chances he helped pillage against some of the best defenders in the world.
His potential didn’t go unnoticed. It caught the eye of the Ghana U-20 handlers, earning him a deserved call-up to the Black Satellites. But just as the door opened, injury knocked him back — a cruel twist for a young forward on the rise.
Despite the injury setback, his exploits with Holy Stars were enough to prompt a recall from parent club and transfer him to Nsoatreman FC in a bumper deal. The budding forward was handed a shot at Ghana’s top flight, making 11 appearances and scoring once before Nsoatreman abruptly withdrew from the league — a move the club claimed was necessary to protect the safety of its players.
Possessing an appreciable height and brave, Hussein can hold his own alongside the toughest of centre-backs, but rather than his physique, his guile and intelligent positioning enable him to outwit defenders.
His uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time means he regularly finds scoring opportunities.
Equally comfortable going for goal with either foot or with his head, and never afraid to miss, it is no surprise to see him become a toast of the fans.
With skilful feet and a sharp football brain, he has excellent link-up play and can spot a pass. A willing grafter, he’s also not averse to working the flanks and has decent crossing ability. He loves to contribute to the build-up around the penalty area rather than wait for the ball.
He doesn’t shout for attention. He lets his game whisper things most teenagers haven’t learned to say — timing, positioning, purpose.
At just 18, Hussein has already drawn comparisons to his idol, Serhou Guirassy for his quick footwork, sharp instincts, and goal-scoring ability. Frankly, apart from wearing a tough resilient character, there is a spark of Guirassy in the way he moves and what he can do with the ball.
At no point in his short career has he shown any fear or doubt in his capabilities. However, to get anywhere near where the famous Guinean’s level, he will have to work hard and continue his development. Creative and dynamic at the same time with good ball control, he possesses all the ingredients to become a complete and quality player.
In a country where forwards are forged in fire and forgotten just as quickly, Bashiru offers something different: a story still unfolding, and a talent that refuses to stay hidden much longer.
