Nigerian Starlet Ibrahim Scores As Reims Reach French Cup Final

Nigerian teenager Hafiz Ibrahim wrote his name in the history books as he scored his first goal for the club and setting up another to send his side to the French Cup final for the first time in over four decades.

Reims, determined to end a 48-year wait for a cup final appearance, took control early at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin.

In the 14th minute, Mamadou Diakhon burst down the flank before teeing up Ibrahim, who applied a clinical close-range finish to give the visitors the lead.

However, fourth-tier Cannes refused to go down without a fight. They found their equalizer in the 52nd minute when Cedric Goncalves’ pinpoint corner was met by Cheikh N’Doye, who powered a header into the net, igniting wild celebrations among the home supporters.

The win sets up a mouthwatering final showdown, where Reims will face Paris Saint-Germain.

The French Cup final will be held at the Stade de France in Paris on May 25, with Reims now just one win away from a historic triumph – and Ibrahim firmly in the spotlight as one of the tournament’s breakout stars.

Born in Kano, Nigeria, Ibrahim first gained attention at the 2023 Viareggio Cup in Italy, where he scored ten goals in the prestigious youth tournament.

His performances caught the eye of several European clubs, including Chelsea and Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt.

Chelsea’s interest was particularly strong. Club scouting director Joe Shields and first-team star Raheem Sterling personally reached out to Ibrahim while he was en route to Norway, inviting him for a trial at Stamford Bridge.

He spent nearly two months in West London, training with both Chelsea’s first team and U19 squad. In a standout moment, Ibrahim scored a hat-trick in a training session attended by club owner Todd Boehly, seemingly cementing his place at the club.

However, negotiations fell through at the final hurdle, and his dream move to the Premier League collapsed.

With his future uncertain, Ibrahim eventually signed a four-year deal with Reims last summer, joining from Nigeria’s Ojodu City Football Club. He started in the youth ranks but was promoted to the senior team earlier this year.

Last weekend, he marked his growing influence by providing an assist in Reims’ 3-1 victory over Marseille.

For a player once overlooked by Chelsea, the upcoming showdown offers the perfect stage to prove his worth on one of French football’s biggest night.