Transfers

Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt fail to convince Nigerian sensation Hafiz Umar Ibrahim

Teenage sensation Hafiz Umar Ibrahim will not sign for Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt after they failed to reach personal agreement, reports Soccernet.ng.

The Ojodu City FC striker came to limelight after he scored 10 goals at the Viareggio Cup tournament in Italy last month.

The 18-year-old went to Bodo on Friday with hopes of signing a contract on Monday. He arrived in the city and was received with aplomb as the media shadowed his every step from the airport due to the publicity that he received after English Premier League side Chelsea showed interest in signing him.

Hafiz trained with the club on Saturday and Sunday as he tried to understand their philosophy and culture. The club was impressed with him and looked forward to getting his signature on Monday.

However, Soccernet.ng can exclusively reveal that Hafiz will not sign the contract as he found it difficult to cope with the weather. He complained about the cold during a call with Soccernet.ng on Saturday.

It was difficult to convince the Kano-born player to stay because he could not manage the cold. Bodo is in northern Norway and the biting cold was very tough for the boy who grew up in the almost 40-degree Celsius weather of northern Nigeria.

Former Bodo/Glimt player Victor Boniface recently told the Obi-One Podcast about the loneliness and the cold during his stay at club where he won two Norwegian titles.

Perhaps a summer move would have helped to ease Hafiz into the city where he was expected to follow in the footsteps of Boniface, the man who has become a star at Bayer Leverkusen.

Hafiz is hoping to explore his options with Premier League side Chelsea, who have already issued him an invitation, as well as other clubs in Italy that have expressed interest. Hafiz is expected back in Italy in the next few days.

Fans of Bodo/Glimt would be saddened by the news because they had come to develop a liking for him over the last few days.

Do you think Hafiz Umar Ibrahim made the right decision for his career? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

Lolade Adewuyi

Lolade Adewuyi is a writer and journalist who has covered four FIFA World Cups, a Confederations Cup and two AFCONS. He is the Managing Editor of Soccernet Media Limited. Email: lolade at soccernet.com.ng

Share
Published by
Lolade Adewuyi

Recent Posts

“It’s been really frustrating” – Nathan Tella exhales after knocking Bayern Munich out of the DFB Pokal with a goal

Super Eagles and Bayer 04 Leverkusen attacker, Nathan Temitayo Tella, heaved a sigh of relief… Read More

29 minutes ago

“Mr four legs”- Ghanaian star congratulates Wlfred Ndidi after MOTM award in Leicester’s big win over West Ham

Ghanaian star Issahaku Fatawu has congratulated Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi following his Man of… Read More

47 minutes ago

WATCH: Ndidi enjoys first Nistelrooy win for Leicester; Milan’s Chukwueze at the double; Tella strike downs Bayern

Leicester City secured their first victory since October, marking Ruud van Nistelrooy's managerial debut with… Read More

3 hours ago

4 starts, 3 sub appearances, 7 bench roles: Kelechi Iheanacho frustrated over limited playing time in Sevilla-Osasuna clash

Super Eagle forward Kelechi Iheanacho endured another frustrating night as Sevilla drew 1-1 with Osasuna… Read More

12 hours ago

Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund to battle for struggling Nigerian striker

German Bundesliga clubs RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing Nigerian striker Gift… Read More

13 hours ago

Has Victor Boniface sparked Xabi Alonso’s injury comeback hopes with latest social media post?

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface remains sidelined for Bayer Leverkusen following an injury he sustained… Read More

14 hours ago