From selling watermelons in Kano to scoring at Chelsea

Posted : 01 April 2025

Hafiz Umar Ibrahim’s journey from a humble watermelon seller in Kano to an 18-year-old footballer on the cusp of signing with Chelsea is nothing short of extraordinary. Once caught in the grip of poverty, his dream of making it big in football is now within reach, marking a life that feels as though it belongs in a movie.

On Friday, Chelsea confirmed that it would sign Ibrahim after a successful trial in April. The striker’s story is one of hope, having risen from the depths of hardship to the threshold of greatness. In an interview in February, Ibrahim shared that the struggles of poverty were what motivated him to pursue a career in football and chase the glory he now stands on the verge of achieving.

Reports indicate that, as part of the deal, Ibrahim might be loaned to Ligue 1’s Strasbourg, with a possibility of staying at Stamford Bridge if there’s space on the roster after the summer transfer window. Whatever the outcome, Ibrahim will continue his professional football journey in Europe, which also brings the opportunity to help improve his family's life.

Hafiz, who was born in Kano, gained international attention when he scored 10 goals at the 2024 Viareggio Cup in Italy, finishing as the tournament's top scorer. His efforts helped Ojodu City FC reach the semifinals, where they were defeated by the eventual winners, Beyond Limits FC from Nigeria. This performance piqued the interest of several clubs, including Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt, who offered him a contract, but Ibrahim chose to decline in favor of Chelsea’s attention.

Chelsea’s interest came after a call from the club’s scouting director, Joe Shields, and forward Raheem Sterling, while Ibrahim was en route to Norway. Sensing an opportunity to join the Premier League, Ibrahim made the decision to pursue the offer from Chelsea, despite the lure of a lucrative contract from Bodo/Glimt.

Once in Lagos to process his UK visa, Ibrahim met some of the stars he had once only seen on TV. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, he focused on his work ethic, impressing coaches and players alike. As his trial progressed, Ibrahim continued to split his time between the first team and the U19s, knowing that he had to give his best in the final stretch.

The pivotal moment came on the last day of his trial when Ibrahim scored a hat trick while Chelsea owner Todd Boehly watched from the sidelines. This performance sealed his fate, with the club deciding to keep him on their roster. Negotiations with Ojodu City FC followed, initially starting at £2 million but eventually settling at £1.5 million. The final details are still being worked out, ensuring that all the clubs involved in Ibrahim’s development will benefit from the deal.

Having completed his trial, Ibrahim visited Kano in early April before returning to London to finalize the move. His visit was kept private to avoid distractions during this crucial period. As the transfer window opens, Ibrahim’s big move will be officially confirmed. Fate has smiled on him, and with this new chapter, he aims to fulfill his ambition of making a mark in the football world.

From selling watermelons in Kano to scoring at Chelsea

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