Hafiz Ibrahim: Turkish Super Lig side eye former Chelsea trialist – report

Soccer

Turkish Super Lig side, Hatayspor, are reportedly eyeing a move for Nigerian forward, Hafiz Ibrahim, who is currently donning the colours of French club Stade Reims, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Reports suggest that Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s club earlier tabled an offer to sign the player on loan for the second stanza of the 2024-25 season campaign.

However, since the January transfer window for the Turkish league closes on the 11th of February, chances are slim that the Kano-born player will be heading to Turkey on a loan move.

It would be recalled that the young Nigerian striker observed a two-week trial with the Stamford Bridge outfit, Chelsea, following an impressive performance at the Viareggio Cup, where he netted ten goals in six matches.

Soccer Hafiz Umar Ibrahim
Hafiz Umar Ibrahim training with Premier League giants Chelsea. Photo credit: Chelsea media

The trial of the Nigerian player was reportedly facilitated by Chelsea-owned forward Raheem Sterling, who played a key role in convincing Ibrahim to join the Blues at the time.

Meanwhile, things did not go well between Ibrahim’s representative and the London-based club, which saw him eventually seal a deal to join Stade Reims.

Soccer Hafiz Ibrahim
Hafiz Umar IBRAHIM of Reims during the French Cup match between Mutzig and Reims [Photo by Icon Sport]

Since joining in August, Ibrahim has been playing for the Stade Reims B side, and has scored eight goals in seven matches in the fifth tier of the French football system.

Moreover, the 19-year-old Nigerian forward made his first professional appearance for Stade Reims’ senior team during their 3-1 victory over AZ Mutzig in a French Cup clash. In that match, Hafiz Ibrahim came on as a substitute for Niama Pape Sissoko.

As of now, there has been no official statement regarding his potential transfer from France to Turkey. However, the soon-to-be 20-year-old is expected to be among the players considered for a move in the next summer window.

Soccer Ayomide Oguntimehin


Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories.

Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work.

Read MoreAyomide Oguntimehin

WD sees sustainability as key business driver in an ‘AI economy’

Hard drive company WD promoted long-term operations and sustainability executive Jackie Jung to become its first chief sustainability officer in February, as it steps up sales to companies building AI data centers. Her vision: Turn sustainability into a “brand” for WD, a strategy that reduces risk for the $6 billion company (formerly known as Western

5 Business Ideas Worth Starting in 2026

If there is one thing Nigerians understand well, it is how to spot opportunity inside hardship. In 2026, that mindset will matter more than ever. The economy is tough, competition is rising, and many people are looking for smarter ways to earn, build, and survive. But even in a difficult environment, some businesses still stand

Getting a business loan now comes with a frequent flyer upside

Australian fintech Prospa has partnered with Qantas Business Rewards, letting eligible SMEs earn up to 500,000 points per loan. What’s happening: Australian fintech lender Prospa has partnered with Qantas Business Rewards to allow eligible small and medium business owners to earn up to 500,000 Qantas Points per loan when taking out a Prospa Small Business