Nigerian striker Hafiz Umar Ibrahim has opened up about his decision to join French Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims over other top European clubs, including Chelsea. Despite having a successful trial with Chelsea earlier in 2024, where he impressed by scoring a hat-trick in a youth match, negotiations for a transfer fell through due to Chelsea’s reluctance to meet the valuation set by his former club, Ojodu City FC.
Ibrahim, who was born in Kano State, Nigeria, began his football career at Ojodu City FC in Lagos. His journey to Reims was marked by resilience and determination.
After turning down an offer from Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt to pursue a trial with Chelsea, he eventually signed a four-year contract with Reims in August 2024. Ibrahim chose Reims as the next step in his career, citing the club’s environment and opportunities for growth as key factors in his decision.
Since joining Reims, Ibrahim has made significant strides. Initially starting with the club’s B team, he quickly proved himself by scoring eight goals in seven matches in the Championnat National 3.
This impressive form led to his promotion to the first team, where he has now featured in several Ligue 1 matches and Coupe de France games. Notably, Ibrahim made his Ligue 1 debut in February 2025, although it was marked by a red card in the 89th minute of the match against Rennes.
In an exclusive interview, Ibrahim expressed his ambition to make Nigeria proud through his performances. He highlighted the importance of teamwork and the strong spirit within the Reims squad as they battle to avoid relegation. Ibrahim’s journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the opportunities available to talented young players in European football.
