Nigerian teen Hafiz powers Ojodu City to Italian Cup semis with back-to-back hattricks

Ibrahim Hafiz is the Viareggio Cup top scorer with 9 goals. (Photo Credit: Ojodu City/X)

Nigerian teen Hafiz powers Ojodu City to Italian Cup semis with back-to-back hattricks

Izuchukwu Akawor 20:29 - 22.02.2024

Ojodu City FC takes the Viareggio Cup by storm, thanks to sensational striker Ibrahim Hafiz!

 Nigerian third-division club Ojodu City FC have pulled off a major shock at the prestigious Viareggio Cup youth tournament in Italy by reaching the semifinals in their debut appearance.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that the unheralded club, founded just two years ago in 2022, have defied the odds at the tournament dominated by academy teams of Europe's elite clubs.

Hafiz inspires Ojodu City

Spearheaded by young striker Ibrahim Hafiz, Ojodu City have announced themselves on the global stage. Hafiz has been a revelation, scoring an astonishing nine goals in six matches.

The teenage phenom grabbed headlines with back-to-back hat tricks in the Viareggio Cup. But it was his most recent treble that will live long in the memory - a clinical three-goal haul that powered Ojodu City to a stunning 4-0 demolition of storied Hungarian club Honved Budapest in the quarterfinals.

Back-to-back hattrick hero, Ibrahim Hafiz celebrates with his teammates.
Back-to-back hattrick hero, Ibrahim Hafiz celebrates with his teammates. (Photo Credit: Ojodu City/IG)

By booking their place in the last four, Ojodu City have now reached the last four in their debut at the Viareggio Cup. They now stand on the cusp of even greater things in the semi-finals as they look to continue their fairy tale run.

Ojodu City's remarkable impact puts Nigerian football on the map in Italy, they are now just two matches away from the unthinkable alongside two other Nigerian sides, Beyond Limits and Mavlon.

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