Nigerian striker Hafiz Ibrahim will be hoping to help modest outfit Stade Reims retain their place in the French top-flight, as they take on Metz in the second leg of their Ligue 1 relegation playoff encounter, set to hold at the Stade Auguste Delaune on Thursday night, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 19-year-old has had a satisfactory debut campaign in France, playing an instrumental role as Reims reached the final of the French Cup, although they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, to finish as runners-up. The former Ojodu FC attacker also scored and assisted in Reims’ semi-final victory over Cannes, as coach Samba Diawara’s side reached the Coupe de France final for the first time in 48 years.
Ibrahim has featured in 11 matches in Ligue 1 over the course of the campaign, accumulating a total of 386 minutes. His output has seen him register a solitary assist, although he boasts a decent return of 10 goals and two assists in 23 appearances across all competitions, which amounts to a total of 1,131 minutes of action.
Having fallen at the last hurdle in the Cup final, attention now shifts to the domestic front, as Reims bid to avoid the drop. The hosts had finished the season in 16th position in Ligue 1 on 33 points, while the visitors placed 3rd in Ligue 2 on 65 points. The reverse fixture ended 1-1 at the Stade Saint-Symphorien last Wednesday, with Matthieu Idol breaking the deadlock for Metz in the 38th minute, before Reims responded through Cedric Kipre in the 52nd minute.
Reims have failed to win any of their last six fixtures in all competitions, including the French Cup final loss to PSG. On the other hand, Metz are undefeated in their last four games, which include wins at Laval and home over Dunkerque in Ligue 2, plus a 3-3 home draw with Rodez in the league.
