NEC FC is delighted to announce the signing of Uganda Cranes forward Fahad Bayo, who has joined the Diehards on a two-year contract.
The 28-year-old striker returns to the Uganda Premier League after several years playing abroad, bringing a wealth of international experience, physical presence and a proven eye for goal to the NEC FC attack.
Bayo’s football journey began in Lugazi, where he was nurtured at Lugazi Young Academy between 2009 and 2011 before moving to Friends of Soccer Academy, where he continued his development from 2011 to 2013.
His goalscoring ability came to the fore at school level in 2014 when he finished as the top scorer of the Copa Coca-Cola Uganda National Secondary Schools Championship, scoring 11 goals for eventual champions Kibuli Secondary School.
Bayo joined Proline FC in 2014 at the age of 16 and quickly established himself as one of Uganda’s promising young forwards. During the 2015/16 Uganda Big League season, he scored 16 goals in 25 appearances, playing a key role in Proline’s promotion to the Uganda Premier League.
In the 2016/17 campaign, Bayo registered six goals in 18 appearances for Proline before continuing his development in the top flight. He scored another six goals in 14 league appearances during the first half of the 2017/18 Uganda Premier League season.
His performances earned him a move abroad in January 2018, when he joined Zambian side Buildcon FC. Bayo enjoyed an impressive spell with the club, scoring nine goals and providing six assists in 16 appearances.
He subsequently returned to Uganda with Vipers SC, where he made 23 appearances and scored 12 goals during the 2019/20 season.
Bayo’s performances earned him a move to Israel, where he signed for F.C. Ashdod in July 2020. He went on to feature for several clubs abroad, including Bnei Sakhnin in Israel, MFK Vyškov in the Czech Republic and Welwalo Adigrat in Ethiopia.
In August 2025, the forward moved to North Macedonia, signing for FK Vardar, before subsequently featuring for KF Arsimi on loan.
At international level, Bayo has represented the Uganda Cranes. He received his first senior national team call-up from coach Sebastien Desabre in March 2018 and featured in friendly matches against São Tomé and Príncipe and Malawi.
A towering and powerful forward, Bayo brings pace, strength in aerial duels and remarkable composure in front of goal. His ability to lead the line, compete physically and provide a consistent goalscoring threat makes him a valuable addition to the Diehards’ attacking options ahead of the new season.
Bayo becomes NEC FC’s third signing of the transfer window following the arrivals of Enock Tumwesigye and Enrique Lubwama.
With his experience at both domestic and international level, the Uganda Cranes forward arrives at the Diehards ready to make an impact as NEC FC prepares for another competitive Uganda Premier League campaign.
Welcome to NEC FC, Fahad Bayo
PLAYER PROFILE
Name: Fahad Bayo
Age: 28
Position: Forward
Nationality: Ugandan
Contract: 2-years
Former Clubs:
- Proline FC (Uganda)
- Buildcon FC (Zambia)
- Vipers SC (Uganda)
- F.C. Ashdod (Israel)
- Bnei Sakhnin (Israel)
- MFK Vyškov (Czech Republic)
- Welwalo Adigrat (Ethiopia)
- FK Vardar (North Macedonia)
- KF Arsimi (North Macedonia)