Umar Bashiru leaves Ethiopia for Middle East adventure

Ghanaian midfielder Umar Bashiru has joined newly promoted Iraqi Stars League outfit, Al Mosul Sports Club for the 2025/26 season.

The 28-year-old signed with Mosul SC as a free agent after his contract with Ethiopia top flight side Commerical Bank of Ethiopia expired at the end of last season. The former Asante Kotoko midfielder signed a one-year deal with an option to extend for another year.

Bashiru played an important part in CBE’s perfect run to a league triumph during the 2023/24 season. His performances earned him the Ethiopian Premier League’s Player of the Year with seven goals and nine assists.

The tall and lanky midfielder moved to Ethiopia in 2022 after a rich experience in the Ghana Premier League that included stints with West Africa Football Academy (WAFA), Asante Kotoko and Karela United.

He joined Ethiopian Insurance following the expiration of his contract with Karela United, going on to impress at the club before securing a move to CBE.

In the just-ended season, he featured in 25 league matches but the club struggled to retain its title, finishing ninth in the standings prompting Bashiru to seek a new adventure in Iraq with Mosul.