Rejected by Chelsea, flying in France: Nigeria talent Ibrahim leads Reims to Cup final vs PSG

Nigerian prospect Hafiz Ibrahim played a decisive role in Stade Reims' 2-1 victory over Cannes in the Coupe de France semi-final, scoring his first goal for the club and setting up another to send his side to their first final since 1977, Soccernet.ng reports.

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.

Reims, though, quickly silenced the crowd.

Just six minutes later, substitute Teddy Teuma was the beneficiary of Ibrahim’s excellent work on the right wing. The Nigerian’s precise low cross found the Malta international unmarked in the box, and he calmly slotted home to restore Reims’ advantage.

Despite Cannes’ late push for another equalizer, Reims held firm to secure a hard-fought 2-1 win and book a blockbuster final against Paris Saint-Germain.

It will be a chance for Will Still’s side to lift the Coupe de France for the first time since 1958.

PSG vs. Reims. Coupe de France final. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/yvsqx10JVF

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 2, 2025

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Hafiz Ibrahim: From Chelsea’s radar to Reims' hero

Hafiz Ibrahim’s recent performances have signaled the arrival of an exciting new talent.

The 19-year-old, who has now contributed a goal and two assists in his last two games, is making a strong case for a regular spot in Reims’ first team.

His journey to Ligue 1 has been an intriguing one.

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.

Now, after making another crucial contribution in the Coupe de France semi-final, Ibrahim is poised to take center stage when his side faces PSG in the final.

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.