New insights have surfaced regarding the controversial exclusion of Stade Reims striker Hafiz Ibrahim from Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, as reported by Soccernet.ng.
Despite being fully fit and cleared for selection, the talented forward-once linked with Chelsea-was surprisingly left out of the final roster for the prestigious tournament.
Ibrahim’s remarkable performance at the Viareggio Cup, where he netted 10 goals across six games, attracted significant attention from elite European clubs eager to secure his services.
What Led to Hafiz Ibrahim’s Omission from the U20 Team?
Insiders close to the Nigeria U-20 setup reveal that Ibrahim, regarded as one of the brightest Nigerian attacking prospects in Europe, was initially named in coach Aliyu Zubairu‘s provisional squad for the World Cup.
The 19-year-old had joined the Flying Eagles‘ training camp, completed all medical evaluations, and was poised to be included in the final squad alongside fellow standout Daniel Daga.
Aliyu Zubairu Confirms Hafiz Ibrahim’s Initial Call-Up:
I’m puzzled why Stade Reims forward Hafiz Ibrahim, who shone brightly at the Viareggio Cup, was excluded from the final 2025 U20 World Cup squad.
Interestingly, our top scorer was a defender, Daniel Bameyi, with just two goals.
Could politics be at play? Absolutely! pic.twitter.com/7hJCfdrsqZ
– Ayomide Oguntimehin (@ayo_oguntimehin) October 14, 2025
Yet, mere days before the final squad announcement, Ibrahim was abruptly replaced by another forward, sparking widespread speculation.
“They claimed Stade Reims refused to release him, but that was false,” a source close to the matter told Soccernet.ng. “The club had given their approval, and he was ready to join the team. This was purely political maneuvering.”
This contradicts earlier narratives suggesting the French club blocked his participation, which now appear to have been fabricated to mask the real reasons behind his exclusion.
From Viareggio Cup Sensation to Stade de Reims Star
After signing a four-year contract with Stade de Reims in 2024, Ibrahim quickly made waves by scoring 9 goals in as many appearances for the club’s B team.
His impressive displays earned him promotion to the senior squad, where he debuted in Ligue 1 in February 2025. He further showcased his talent in the Coupe de France semi-final by scoring and assisting in a 2-1 victory that propelled Reims to their first cup final in nearly 50 years. Ibrahim also notched his 11th club goal by scoring in a brief 28-minute appearance during the 2025-26 league season.
The Impact Nigeria Missed Without Ibrahim
Many analysts argue that Ibrahim’s presence could have significantly bolstered the Flying Eagles’ offensive firepower at the World Cup, where Nigeria was eliminated in the Round of 16 following a heavy 4-0 loss to Argentina.
Remarkably, no striker managed to score during the tournament, with the team’s top scorer being defender and captain Daniel Bameyi, who netted twice.
While the Nigerian Football Federation has yet to address these revelations, the persistent influence of politics and lack of transparency in player selection continues to plague Nigerian football, undermining the nation’s potential on the global stage.