Abubakar’s research interests span youth and street culture, digital culture, mobility and spatiality. His work focuses on soccer, analyzing the dynamics and social drama that emerged from the game’s unique socio-spatial relations. He explores the intricate and often (in)harmonious connections between soccer, education, and social mobility, among African youth, particularly in the context of global culture. Using life-course theory, Abubakar examines youth aspirations in soccer.
His research delves into the affective dimension of space and liminality surrounding the game. His research sheds light on the complexities of youth and the politics of urban life. Through literature and cultural studies, Abubakar examines global blackness, mobility, self and social fulfilment, waiting and waithood, boredom, and stagnation. He is dedicated to advancing knowledge in African cultural studies through innovative, impactful scholarship. Before joining the program, Abubakar was a Fulbright scholar at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and obtained a BA with majors in English & Literary Studies from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna-Nigeria.