Nigerian forward Aliyu Ibrahim has completed a switch within Major League Soccer (MLS), moving from the Houston Dynamo to the Columbus Crew in a cash for player trade agreement. The 23 year old has signed a one year deal with Columbus, with the option for two additional seasons.
During his time at the Houston Dynamo, Ibrahim made 90 appearances, 64 of them starts, scoring 12 goals and providing nine assists. He played a key role in the club’s recent successes, including their 2023 U.S. Open Cup title, a deep playoff run to the Western Conference Final, and record-setting performances in the 2024 season, with new highs in total points (54) and road wins (8).
Columbus Crew’s General Manager, Issa Tall, welcomed the signing, saying: “Aliyu is a young and dynamic player whose experience in MLS and the international level adds valuable depth and gives us another quality attacking option.”
Ibrahim joined Houston from Croatian side NK Lokomotiva Zagreb, where he netted 17 goals and contributed seven assists in 84 appearances between 2020 and 2023. He debuted professionally at just 18 years old.
Internationally, the Kano-born attacker has represented Nigeria at the U-20 level, featuring at the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations where the Flying Eagles reached the semi-finals.
Editorial
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Aliyu Ibrahim’s move to the Columbus Crew is more than just a fresh start, it’s a strategic step for both club and player. At 23, he’s entering his prime, and with solid experience in both Europe and the MLS, this is a player who knows what it takes to compete across systems and cultures.
His impact at Houston Dynamo was no fluke. From helping the club lift the U.S. Open Cup to playing a part in their most successful regular season to date, Ibrahim proved he can influence big moments. And now, the Columbus Crew, a club with championship pedigree, has acquired a forward who’s hungry to grow and eager to prove himself at a higher level.
The beauty of Ibrahim’s journey lies in its steady rise. From NK Lokomotiva in Croatia to U-20 international caps and now to a major MLS side, this is the kind of development curve we want to see more Nigerian players follow. He hasn’t skipped steps; he’s built a foundation.
With proper support and tactical clarity, Ibrahim could blossom into a key piece of Columbus Crew’s attack. And if he keeps climbing, the Super Eagles might just come calling again.
Did You Know?
- Columbus Crew were the inaugural MLS Cup champions in 1996 and won their second title in 2020.
- Aliyu Ibrahim is one of just a handful of Nigerian players to score in both European top flights and Major League Soccer.
- He made his professional debut on October 2, 2020, at the age of 18 in the Croatian First Division.
- The 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations featured future Super Eagles players like Valentine Ozornwafor and Muhamed Tijani alongside Ibrahim.
- Columbus Crew’s current head coach, Wilfried Nancy, is the first Black head coach to win an MLS Cup (with the Crew in 2023).
