Nigerian teenage sensation Hafiz Ibrahim commences trials with English giants Chelsea

NIGERIAN teenage striker Hafiz Ibrahim has commenced trials at English Premier League giants Chelsea with the hope of signing a professional contract with the club ahead of the forthcoming 2024/25 season.

Ibrahim, 18, who currently plays for Ojodu FC in Lagos State, has been attracting the attention of numerous European clubs with his stellar performances on the pitch of late. His remarkable display at the 74th Viareggio Cup in Italy, where he scored an astonishing 10 goals in just six matches, including consecutive hat-tricks, has earned him widespread acclaim.

Rated at N1.1bn ($845,000), Hafiz is believed to have caught the eye of at least six European giants after his goal exploits in Italy. These include Inter Milan and AC Milan but he has come to Chelsea in a move that was facilitated by Raheem Sterling, who personally reached out to the striker via video call in February.

Sterling's endorsement and Chelsea's interest have paved the way for Hafiz to embark on this trial period with the Premier League outfit. Ibrahim was born in Kano State and is from a poor family, pointing out that taking his folks out of poverty and helping other young footballers is his major motivation.

Standing at six feet  two inches tall, Ibrahim cuts quite an imposing figure and he is also very strong and uses his body very well. Ibrahim did not complete his education and from the way he speaks, it is evident that he is only fluent in Hausa and Pidgin English.

Ibrahim uses both feet but prefers his left and  believes he is in the mode of former Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku. Initially, Ibrahim was supposed to sign for Norwegian club Bodo Glimt and he was very close to sealing a transfer but he has dumped the club and is currently undergoing trials with Chelsea.