NLO star Yahaya Ibrahim speaks about what Nigeria Super Eagles need
Talented young midfielder, Yahaya Ibrahim who has made waves in the Nigerian football scene, recently shared his thoughts on the kind of coaching crew the Super Eagles need at the moment.
Yahaya Ibrahim, who caught the eye of Flying Eagles head coach Ladan Bosso and was invited to the Nigeria U-20 national team camp for the 2024 WAFU U-20 Championship, missed out on the final squad due to paperwork issues. Despite this setback, his insights carry weight given his experience and potential.
Currently playing for Blessed Stars Academy and having impressed for Sir Monty FC in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Nationwide League season, Ibrahim has a clear vision for the future of Nigerian football.
“Nigeria needs a coach who will build a team with talented players, regardless of whether they are home-based or foreign-based,” Ibrahim emphasised in a chat with SPORTSRATION. “The focus should be on the quality and potential of the players, not their current location. Whether the coach is Nigerian or foreign doesn’t matter, as long as they can deliver results. That however is not up to me or any player. I trust the NFF to get the best for the country at this time.”
On his career targets, the teenager said he was focused on growing and taking advantage of any given opportunity. He said ” I am not one who sets targets. Everyday in training, I give my very best to develop and be better and ready for opportunities as they come. ”
Ibrahim played every minute ofthe 2023/2024 NLO season for Sir Monty FC as they finished in thrid-place at the Calabar center of the league.
Yahaya Ibrahim also hailed the achievements of Beyond Limits head coach Olumide Ajibolade, who has led a group of young players to numerous victories.
Under Ajibolade’s leadership, Beyond Limits earned promotion to the NPFL, won the Nigeria National League title and are the reigning champions of The Creative Championship (TCC), a tournament they have dominated, winning four consecutive times. Additionally, Ajibolade’s team made history by becoming the first African team to win the prestigious Viareggio Cup in Italy.
“Coach Olumide has done incredible work with Beyond Limits,” Ibrahim said. “His ability to nurture young talent and achieve success is remarkable. Including him in the next Super Eagles crew, maybe as an assistant coach, would be a big plus for Nigeria.”
Having had a brief stint in Ghana, teen-sensation Yahaya Ibrahim is currently in hot demand, with several NPFL clubs expressing interest in his services.
