Why I joined Reims ahead of Chelsea, other clubs — Ibrahim
Stade Reims forward Hafiz Ibrahim, who got promoted into their first team recently after being scouted at the Viareggio Cup in Italy last year, talks about going on trials with Chelsea and dealing with interests from other clubs in this interview with ABIODUN ADEWALE
Growing up in Kano, Nigeria, what were some of your challenges, and how did selling watermelons help shape your determination to succeed in football?
Growing up in Kano was tough. Like many kids, we faced financial struggles, and life wasn’t always easy. I had to sell watermelons in the streets to help support my family. It wasn’t just about making money, though — it taught me discipline, hard work, and the importance of perseverance. Every day, I had to hustle, and that mentality stuck with me when I started pursuing football seriously. It instilled in me the mindset that no matter how hard things get, you can succeed if you work hard enough.
Your breakthrough performance at the Viareggio Cup in Italy was impressive, with 10 goals in six matches. What was going through your mind during that tournament, and did you ever imagine it would be a turning point in your career?
Honestly, I was just focused on doing my best. I didn’t want to overthink things — I wanted to prove myself, to show what I was capable of. Scoring 10 goals in six matches wasn’t something I expected, but it felt amazing. The tournament was a big moment for me, and while I didn’t realise it at the time, it turned out to be a turning point. It put me on the map and opened doors that I never could have imagined.
You went on trial with Chelsea afterwards. What was that experience like?
Going on trial with Chelsea was a dream come true. I remember walking into the training ground and being in awe of the facilities and the players. It was an incredible experience to be around world-class professionals and learn from them. I learned a lot about the level of commitment required to succeed at the top, and I also saw how much work it takes behind the scenes. It made me realise that the journey to the top is not just about talent; it’s about dedication, consistency, and mental strength.
Raheem Sterling even jumped on a video call to convince you to join the club. What did he say to you, and how close were you to signing with Chelsea?
Sterling is a great guy. He was really supportive and encouraging. He told me that Chelsea would be a great environment for me to grow and improve as a player. He also emphasised how important it was to stay focused and take advantage of the opportunity. It meant a lot to have someone like him, who has been at the top, believe in me. I was very close to signing, but ultimately, I decided it wasn’t the right time for me. It was a tough decision, but I think it was the right one in the long run.
What was the reasoning behind your decision, and what did you learn from the experience?
The decision was based on a few factors — mainly, I felt that I wasn’t quite ready for such a big move. Chelsea is a huge club, and I wanted to make sure I was fully prepared to take on the challenge. I didn’t want to rush into anything, and I felt that I needed more time to develop. What I learned from the experience is that timing is everything, and it’s important to be honest with yourself about where you are in your career. It was a learning experience, and I’m grateful for it.
You eventually signed with Reims. What attracted you to the club?
Reims is a club with a great tradition and a strong focus on developing young talent, which really appealed to me. The coach and the staff made me feel welcomed and valued from the start, and that’s something I really wanted. I see Reims as a place where I can grow, improve, and eventually take my game to the next level. My expectations are simple — I want to contribute, work hard, and help the team achieve success.
You’ve already made a significant impact at Reims, powering them to the final of the Coupe De France with a goal and an assist. What are your targets for the rest of the season?
I’m just focused on continuing to help the team in any way I can. The Coupe De France final was a huge moment for me, but there’s still a lot of football left to play. My target is to keep improving, to score more goals, and to be a consistent performer for the team. I want to help Reims achieve great things this season and beyond.
Who are your football idols, both in Nigeria and abroad? How do they inspire you, and what qualities do you admire about them?
In Nigeria, players like Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha were huge inspirations. They showed the world that Nigerian footballers can compete at the highest level. Abroad, I admire players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku. Their work ethic, consistency, and dedication to their craft are things I strive to emulate. They’ve proven that talent alone isn’t enough; you have to put in the work every day if you want to be successful.
Was the Viareggio Cup your first major amateur tournament, or did you have other experiences that prepared you for that moment?
The Viareggio Cup was one of my biggest tournaments, but I had other experiences before that. Playing in local leagues and smaller tournaments helped me get ready for the big stage. Those early experiences taught me how to handle pressure and stay focused, and they definitely prepared me for the level of competition at the Viareggio Cup.
Multiple clubs were interested in signing you after your impressive performance in Italy. Can you tell us more about that experience? Were there any other clubs seriously in the running, and did you ever feel overwhelmed or confused by all the attention?
After the Viareggio Cup, I had a lot of clubs interested in me, and it was definitely overwhelming at first. There were multiple clubs, both in Europe and elsewhere, who wanted to sign me. It was exciting but also challenging to navigate all the attention and make the right decision. I had to stay focused on what was best for my career and not get caught up in the noise. In the end, I made the decision that felt right for me.
Playing for the Nigerian national team is a dream for many young players. What would it mean to you to represent the Super Eagles, and do you think you have what it takes to make the team?
Representing the Super Eagles would be the pinnacle of my career. It’s every Nigerian player’s dream to wear the green and white, and I’m no different. I’m working hard every day to ensure that I’m in the best possible shape and ready to take on that challenge. I believe I have what it takes to make the team, but it’s up to me to keep proving myself. If I continue working hard, I’m confident that my time will come.
