Congratulations – Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle on high alert as Nigeria-eligible Ibrahim makes Arsenal debut

Arsenal’s renowned Hale End academy has produced another miracle story, and this one has reached all the way to the Super Eagles camp.

In a whirlwind 48 hours that felt like a dream, 18-year-old Ife Ibrahim went from signing his first professional contract to making his senior Arsenal debut.

The London-born midfielder was subbed on during Arsenal’s 3-2 Champions League victory over Kairat Almaty on Wednesday night, a result that saw Mikel Arteta’s side become the first team to finish the league phase with a perfect 100% record.

While Arsenal fans celebrate a new star, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has reportedly been put on high alert. Ibrahim, who holds Nigerian heritage and speaks Yoruba, is now at the centre of a brewing international tug-of-war.

The reaction to Ibrahim’s debut has been electric, with many Nigerian supporters urging Eric Chelle to move "aggressively" to secure the teenager's future.

“Dear Eric Chelle, there is a big problem in the Super Eagles midfield. This 18-year-old boy, Ife Ibrahim, is the solution,” one fan posted on social media.

The youngster, who models his game after Declan Rice and has been compared to Patrick Vieira, is seen as the missing piece in the national team's engine room.

“Ife is a DM with incredible qualities & can play any position in the midfield. He should be part of your project.”

However, some fans are preaching patience, suggesting a gradual integration: “Bro is playing with his mate and you are saying he should come and start playing for the Eagles. He should be invited to the under-20 and 23 squads as well.”

Arsenal’s official social media handle couldn't hide their pride in the youngster’s rapid rise.

In a celebratory post, the club highlighted the incredible timeline: “Tuesday: Signs his first professional contract. Wednesday: Makes his senior Arsenal debut. Congratulations, Ife.”

Ibrahim, who joined the Gunners at age seven, described the week as a "blessing." Having recently turned 18, he has already established himself as a "heartbeat player" for the U21s, and his transition to the senior squad felt inevitable after a strong pre-season in La Manga.

Ife Ibrahim was born in London and has represented England at the U15 level, but his Nigerian roots remain deep.

With the damage done in the first half against Kairat, Arsenal were content to drop their tempo and control the game, allowing Ibrahim the perfect environment to showcase his composure.

His proactive style and line-breaking passes have made him an immediate target for the NFF. Eric Chelle, who knows that securing a Hale End product of this calibre could define his midfield for the next decade.

As Arsenal look at the knockout rounds with increasing confidence, the question remains: which national anthem will Ife Ibrahim be singing when he finally makes his international decision?