Ibrahim Mohammed ‘Beji’ is the man for the big occasion.
At the sub-regional WAFU B qualifiers last May in Niamey, he finished as the Flying Eagles top scorer with three goals.
And come the U20 AFCON in Egypt in March, he was again the team’s top scorer with two goals.
Ibrahim Mohammed thunderous strike doubles the Flying Eagles lead against Mozambique#MOZNGN 0 – 2 pic.twitter.com/1X06muw3CO
— #ApostlePikin (@ApostlePikin) February 25, 2023
“I didn’t see much of him in training before the WAFU qualifiers, but at the tournament proper he was the star of the team,” admitted Flying Eagles doctor Ozi Salami.
Minna-born ‘Beji’ was the Flying Eagles best forward at the AFCON and his two goals in Egypt were really down to his own brilliance and dare.
His goal against Mozambique was an audacious strike from well outside the box which flew right into the roof of the net to give his team a welcome cushion.
WHICH SPANISH CLUB OWN IBRAHIM MOHAMMED?
He is a winger comfortable on both flanks, but could also be at home as top striker where it to be necessary.
He has a good shot and dribble and he has also been known to sometimes do the unexpected.
Flying Eagles coach Ladan Bosso followed the player’s progress closely in Minna and so he is in a good position to talk about him.
“He has done well so far, but I wish he could be more consistent, sometimes when you expect a lot from him, he does not deliver,” remarked Bosso.
‘Beji’ and fellow winger Haliru Sarki are the only forwards who have made it all the way to the World Cup from the WAFU qualifiers a year ago.
A lot will therefore be expected of them at this World Cup particularly as the likes of Emmanuel Umeh, Salem Fago and Kehinde Ibrahim have yet to prove themselves internationally.
The Flying Eagles star man would also have to resolve his club future after this tournament in Argentina following claims and counter claims regarding the Spanish Segunda Division club he has signed for.
Official communications have placed him at Cartagena, but he is not listed by this club, while a top London-based agent maintained the player has signed for another Spanish club, CD Leganes.
What is not in doubt is that Mavlon FC splashed $300,000 on him with the hope of making a huge profit by selling him on to a club overseas.
Will he now be the Flying Eagle to rise to the occasion at the World Cup to deliver the jackpot these investors have hoped for since last year?
