Ibrahim Hafiz Umar celebrated a major milestone in his young career on Saturday night, providing his first-ever professional assist during Stade Reims’ 3–1 Ligue 1 victory over Olympique Marseille at Stade Auguste-Delaune.
The 2025 Flying Eagles invitee, who was recently called up to Nigeria’s U20 camp in Katsina ahead of the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, came off the bench to contribute significantly to his team’s success. Though yet to be officially released by his club for national duty, Umar is making a strong case for inclusion with his growing influence at the senior level.
After Marseille had dominated the early phases of the match, Reims took the lead through Keito Nakamura’s solo strike, before Mamadou Diakhon added a second shortly after the restart. In the 68th minute, Umar’s smart play set up Valentin Atangana to finish off a swift counter-attack, stretching the lead to 3–0.
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The assist was Umar’s first in professional football and capped a confident performance. The 18 year old has now featured in four of Reims’ last five Ligue 1 matches, logging 141 minutes, and has not played for the B team since mid February a sign that he’s now considered a full member of the first-team squad.
Editorial
There’s something quietly remarkable about watching a young player seize his moment and that’s exactly what Ibrahim Hafiz Umar is doing in France. With every minute on the pitch, he’s proving he belongs. His assist against Marseille wasn’t just a pass; it was a statement.
This is what development should look like gradual integration, confidence in ability, and most importantly, contribution. Reims see something in Umar. They’ve trusted him in top-flight matches, and he’s begun to repay that faith with tangible output.
For the Flying Eagles, this is excellent news. The U20 setup needs players who are already seasoned in senior football. Umar’s growing experience in Ligue 1 brings a level of exposure and maturity that’s invaluable in continental competition. It’s the kind of foundation that breeds future Super Eagles material.
His path hasn’t been glamorous. There’s been little noise, no hype, just steady progression. But that’s what makes this more impressive. It’s authentic. If he stays grounded and keeps delivering performances like this, Nigeria might just have a new midfield star in the making.
Did You Know?
- Ibrahim Hafiz Umar is the first Nigerian teenager to provide an assist in Ligue 1 this season.
- Stade Reims is one of France’s most historic clubs, having played in two European Cup finals in the 1950s.
- Umar began his football career in northern Nigeria before securing a youth deal with a European academy.
- He joins a growing list of Nigerians who have played in Ligue 1, including Vincent Enyeama, Terem Moffi, and Moses Simon.
- Reims has a reputation for nurturing young talent, with recent graduates earning moves to top European clubs.
