9 replies to this topic

[RyanBhoy]

Sporting Lisbon prospect Rabiu Ibrahim is a signing target for Celtic. The Nigerian midfielder, 18, has six months to go on his contract at the Portuguese club but is free to talk to other clubs after failing to agree terms on his first professional deal.

The left-footed playmaker moved to Lisbon in 2007 on a schoolboy contract and went on to star in the Super Eagles’ team which won the Under 17 World Cup in Korea. He is widely regarded as one of Africa’s brightest young talents, with obvious comparisons to Jay-Jay Okocha made by those who have worked with the youngster.

Ibrahim is currently on loan at Real Sport Clube, having been sent to the Second Division club to aid his development. But he is in high demand across Europe, with clubs from Italy, Spain and Ukraine said to be interested.

The Sporting Lisbon midfielder's agent, Bertrand Ekenwa, says that Celtic are also in the running for his client, but insists that he will weigh up all the options available before deciding where Ibrahim will make his next move.

"We have offers from Celtic, who are very keen on him, as well as interest from leading clubs throughout Europe, so we will not be rushed into anything,” Ekenwa told the Daily Express.

"The kid is a very talented player with all the potential to be a world superstar."

After another impressive showing at the Under 20 World Cup in October, in which he scored against Germany, Nigeria coach Shuaibu Amodu said it wouldn’t be long until Ibrahim was made a full international and made a comparison beyond Okocha.

"Rabiu is top on my list of players I want in my squad soon,” said Amodu. “He's a great Super Eagles prospect, a brilliant player, who has been playing at a very high level.

"He is a genuine playmaker, who with the right encouragement can reach the heights of top stars like [Lionel] Messi.”

Ibrahim moved to Sporting for £700,000 from Nigerian club Gateway FC two-and-a-half years ago.

[Gaffney]

Sounds good but possibly expensive.

[kevza]

Does sound good for future.

Problem now Mogga, is we need experienced proven players NOW ffs

[kevza]

Does sound good for future.

Problem now Mogga, is we need experienced proven players NOW ffs

[nosoup4u]

don't worry, by 2021 our team will be unstoppable.

[Timmolloy]

18 ... no reason why this littel diamond cant come in now if he's THAT GOOD which he seems to be. Problem is the agent will take the highest bid end of.

Hate these teasers cause inevitably they dont happen

That kid is the sort of player I would love to watch at PH

[koosk]

nosoup4u, on 22 January 2010 - 03:22 AM, said:

don't worry, by 2021 our team will be unstoppable.

Aye,and Paddy McCourt will start on the bench!

[DerryPele]

Sounds like the scouts are doing their jobs.

However comparing a 18 year old Nigerian who was on a schoolboy contract barely 3 years ago to Lionel Messi really is a bit too far unless he is something of a wonderkid

[Gazzola]

amcc posted this last week, the boy looks well worth a shout. we need to get the superstars before they are not in our price/wages range.

have faith in Mogga guys he's on the right road

[jjgcfc]

looks like ryan was right! lol