Nigerian sensation, Hafiz Umar Ibrahim etched his name into Stade de Reims’ history books on Wednesday night by scoring his maiden senior goal in their 2-1 French Cup semifinal win over AS Cannes.
The 19-year-old also set up the winning goal, helping Reims secure a long-awaited return to the Coupe de France final, their first in nearly five decades.
Born in Kano, Nigeria, Hafiz has experienced a meteoric rise in European football. He gained international attention after emerging as the top scorer at the prestigious Viareggio Cup in Italy while playing for Ojodu City FC.
His performances piqued the interest of European clubs, including a near-move to Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt and a trial with Premier League giants, Chelsea.
Despite an impressive trial at Chelsea’s Cobham base, the English side opted not to sign him. Ibrahim, undeterred, secured a last-minute move to French Ligue 1 side Reims on the August 2024 transfer deadline day. Starting with the club’s B team, he quickly made his mark by scoring nine goals in as many appearances.
His prolific form earned him a promotion to the senior squad under coach Samba Diawara, who was searching for fresh attacking options. However, Ibrahim’s debut for the first team was marred by a red card, picked up within just 16 minutes of play during a 1-0 defeat to Stade Rennes. He received two yellow cards after replacing Japanese winger Junya Ito in the 73rd minute, and left the pitch in tears.
But the setback didn’t define the youngster’s journey. Coach Diawara continued to believe in him, naming him in the squad for the following Ligue 1 clash against Monaco. Though he missed the quarterfinal against Angers, Ibrahim remained focused and determined.
That resilience paid off handsomely in the semifinal against Cannes. With a composed finish to open the scoring and an assist for Teuma’s match-winner, Ibrahim proved his worth on the big stage. His contributions propelled Reims into a dream final against French giants Paris Saint-Germain at the Stade de France on May 24.
From a red-card heartbreak to semifinal heroics, Hafiz Ibrahim’s story is quickly becoming one of the most inspiring narratives in French football this season. The young Nigerian is not just a talent for the future—he’s delivering in the present.