Arsenal’s rising star Ife Ibrahim has revealed his Nigerian background, confirming his eligibility to represent the Nigerian national football teams. The young midfielder shared that his family speaks Yoruba, one of Nigeria’s major languages, reflecting his strong ties to his heritage.
In a recent interview featured in Arsenal’s matchday programme for their game against Leicester City, Ibrahim spoke about his upbringing and connection to his Nigerian roots. “I grew up in south London, around the north Greenwich area, and started playing football at the age of seven,” he said. “My background is Nigerian, and my family speaks Yoruba – I’m definitely a big fan of the culture, especially when it comes to the music, food, and traditions.
Ibrahim has been with Arsenal since 2016, joining the Gunners after being scouted from grassroots club AFC All Stars. He signed a scholarship contract with the North London club for the 2024-2025 season, cementing his commitment to the team despite earlier interest from rivals Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United.
As a player with Nigerian roots, Ibrahim is eligible to represent Nigeria on the international stage through his parents, adding to the pool of talent available for the country’s football future.
