From Ojodu City Football Club, Hafiz Umar Ibrahim has completed a permanent transfer to Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims.

Ibrahim, 18, has signed a four-year contract with Stade de Reims, despite interest from several European clubs.

The player chose Reims as the next step in his career.

Earlier this year, he had trials with Chelsea but did not receive an offer from the Blues as his signing did not align with the club’s recruitment strategy.

Behdad Eghbali (L) co-owner of Chelsea and co-founder of Clearlake Capital with co-sporting directors, Paul Winstanley (R) and Laurence Stewart. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

The young talent is expected to start by training with the club’s B team and work his way up to the first team.

Background

Born on December 20, 2005, in Kano State, Nigeria, Ibrahim comes from a modest background. His drive to lift his family out of poverty and support other aspiring young footballers is his primary motivation.

Ibrahim began his career as a striker for Ojodu City FC, an amateur club in Lagos State’s Ojodu local government area.

Known for his ability to use both feet, he has a preference for his left. He compares himself to Romelu Lukaku, citing his strength and skill on the ball.

His impressive performances were pivotal in helping Ojodu City secure third place in their league.

Ibrahim scored ten goals in six games, playing a crucial role in the team’s run to the semifinals.

As he begins this new chapter with Stade de Reims, we hope his career flourishes and his potential is fully realized, helping him achieve his footballing aspirations.