Sports
Nigeria Under-23 Midfielder Rabiu Ibrahim Agrees Celtic Deal
Scottish side, Celtic FC has agreed to sign Nigeria Under-23 midfielder Rabiu Ibrahim on a three-and-a-half year contract.
The 20-year-old has been training with Celtic after being released by Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven.
Ibrahim still needs to secure a work permit before the signing can be completed by the Scottish Premier League club.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon said: “We have been very impressed by Rabiu. We are looking forward to him joining us.”
Ibrahim had arrived on trial along with Iceland Under-19 winger Ingolfur Sigurdsson.
Both played in last week’s 3-2 bounce game win over St Johnstone and Ibrahim was particularly impressive.
“In my view, he is a highly talented and exciting young player and someone who will be a tremendous addition to our squad,” Lennon told his club website.
“He is a playmaker, well balanced and a very intelligent footballer.”
Ibrahim, who was part of the Nigeria side that won the 2007 Fifa under-17 World Cup in South Korea, had attracted interest from other clubs, but agent Tony Harris is confident Celtic Park is the best place for him.
“An agreement has been reached with a great club like Celtic, where Rabiu will hopefully develop,” Harris said.
“His potential will hopefully be fulfilled under the close guidance and management of the Celtic coaching staff.
“Neil Lennon is a great manager who encourages young players and subsequently brings the best out of them.
“We had other serious offers from Europe, but I believe Celtic is the best club for him.
“The most important thing is for him to finally settle down and focus on his football.”
The African and Sigurdsson have been on Celtic’s watch list for several years.
Ibrahim was linked with the Glasgow club in 2010 when with Sporting Lisbon, while Sigurdsson was reported to be interesting Celtic as a 15-year-old.
The Icelandic midfielder, who began his career with Dutch club Heerenveen, has since had trials with Arsenal and Manchester United.
He has most recently played in his homeland with Reykjavic outfits KR then Valur but is now scouring Europe again for a new club and, after spending this week at Celtic’s Lennoxtown complex, is due to spend a few days with Lyngby in Denmark.
Ibrahim, who was included by World Soccer magazine in its 50 Most Exciting Teen Footballers list for 2007, left Sporting in summer 2010 and won a three-year contract with PSV after impressing in a trial game against the Dutch side.
However, the Nigeria Under-23 international negotiated a mutual termination of his contract in December after becoming frustrated at his lack of first-team appearances.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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