How Sunusi Ibrahim Wore #14 and Left MLS Defenders Questioning Their Life Choices — You Won’t Believe His Secret Celebrations!
You’ve probably heard the name Sunusi Ibrahim, but maybe you don’t know the whole story behind CF Montréal’s number 14. Born in Keffi, Nigeria, he came up through 36 Lion FC and jumped into pro football with Nasarawa United at just 16. That’s a pretty direct path to the big stage. Sunusi Ibrahim is a young, versatile attacker who’s become a steady presence in Montréal’s forward line since he joined in January 2021.
You see his pace, the way he moves, and how he finds space in the box. But honestly, his game isn’t just about scoring. At 22, with MLS experience and Canadian Championship matches under his belt, he’s already chipped in with key goals and assists—including helping Montréal win the Canadian Championship in 2021.
He recently signed a contract extension that keeps him in Québec through 2026, with an option for 2027. The club clearly believes in his potential.
From his early days in Nigeria to what he’s doing at CF Montréal, Sunusi’s story is about steady growth, not just hype. You’ll notice how his profile, performances, and role in MLS shape both his career and the club’s ambitions.
Contents
Profile of Sunusi Ibrahim
You watch a forward who mixes goal-scoring instincts with disciplined movement in the final third. His journey from the Nigerian league to Major League Soccer shows both consistent production and an ability to adapt at higher levels.
Background and Early Life
Sunusi Ibrahim was born October 1, 2002, in Keffi, Nigeria. He jumped into professional football early, debuting for Nasarawa United at just 16.
That debut season in 2018? He bagged 18 goals in 22 matches and won the Nigeria Professional Football League top scorer award.
He started out with 36 Lion FC, a club in Nigeria that’s known for developing young players. His performances there and with Nasarawa United caught the eye of scouts from abroad.
On January 12, 2021, he transferred to CF Montréal under the MLS U22 Initiative. He’s also played for Nigeria at the U23 level and has three caps with the senior national team.
Ibrahim didn’t go the U.S. college route. He took a direct path from Nigerian football to the pro ranks in North America.
Player Position and Role
You’ll usually find Ibrahim playing as a centre-forward, but he’s comfortable out wide too. His game is built on sharp runs, quick reactions in the box, and pressing defenders high up the pitch.
He made his CF Montréal debut on May 12, 2021, in a 2-0 win over Inter Miami. His first MLS goal came against the New York Red Bulls on August 14, 2021.
He’s been especially effective in cup games. In the 2022 Canadian Championship quarter-finals, he scored a hat trick in a 3-0 win over Forge FC. He finished as the top scorer in that tournament for both 2022 and 2023.
Selected Career Stats
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria Professional Football League | 22 | 18 | Top scorer 2018-19 |
| MLS (CF Montréal) | — | — | Debut 2021 |
| Canadian Championship | — | — | Top scorer 2022, 2023 |
Jersey Number Significance
At CF Montréal, Ibrahim wears the number 14. People often link that number with versatile attackers who work hard and have technical quality.
Sometimes the choice is tactical, sometimes personal. For Ibrahim, it fits his style as a forward who does more than just score—he’s often linking play and pressing from the front.
Number 14 has a history of being worn by influential forwards. By choosing it, he joins a tradition of players who balance creativity and finishing, which matches his own approach.
You’ll see that number every time he steps on the field for CF Montréal—it’s become part of his identity in MLS.
CF Montréal Career
Here’s a young forward who brought a scoring record from Nigeria and then adjusted his game for a new league. His time in Montréal so far? It’s been about steady growth, clutch goals, and showing up when it matters.
Transfer to CF Montréal
Sunusi Ibrahim joined CF Montréal from 36 Lion FC on January 12, 2021. He had already made waves at Nasarawa United, leading the Nigeria Professional Football League in goals during the 2018-19 season.
At 18, he moved to a new country, a tougher league, and a higher level of competition. The MLS U22 Initiative made that move possible and gave the club more flexibility.
Coming from Keffi and with national team experience, his signing wasn’t just about potential. Montréal wanted a proven finisher who could become a consistent threat in North America.
Debut and First Goals
Ibrahim made his MLS debut on May 12, 2021, in a 2-0 win over Inter Miami CF. First appearances stick with you—they’re the start of something new.
He scored his first goal three months later, on August 14, 2021, in a 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls. That finish showed what he brings: pace, timing, and calm in the box.
Key Early Stats (2021)
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLS | 21 | 4 | 1 |
| Canadian Championship | 3 | 2 | 0 |
These early numbers gave him a platform to grow in a competitive squad.
Contribution to Team Success
A forward’s impact isn’t just about how many goals—they matter more when they come at the right moments. In 2021, Ibrahim helped CF Montréal win the Canadian Championship.
One highlight: in the 2022 Canadian Championship quarter-finals, he scored a hat trick in a 3-0 win over Forge FC at Stade Saputo. He ended up as the tournament’s top scorer in both 2022 and 2023.
He delivers in knockout matches. For a club juggling MLS and cup ambitions, having a striker who steps up under pressure is a huge asset.
Performance and Statistics
You can follow Sunusi Ibrahim’s progress at CF Montréal by looking at his steady minutes, his nose for goal, and the ways he helps beyond just scoring. His stats show a player who’s adapted well since leaving Nigeria and who keeps finding ways to influence matches.
Seasonal Appearances and Goals
Ibrahim, who came up at Nasarawa United before moving to Montréal from 36 Lion FC, has become a regular in the attack. In the 2025 MLS season, he played both as a starter and off the bench, giving the team a mix of consistency and impact.
He’s shown durability and earned trust from the coaches. Whether it’s league games or cup matches, he’s usually available.
2025 Season (MLS & Cups)
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS Regular Season | 24 | 15 | 7 | 1,345 |
| Canadian Championship | 3 | 2 | 1 | 210 |
| Leagues Cup | 2 | 1 | 0 | 95 |
| Total | 29 | 18 | 8 | 1,650 |
These numbers show he’s a reliable forward who can come up with timely goals.
Key Matches and Highlights
Remember that home win against Toronto FC? Ibrahim scored twice, including a header in the 78th minute that sealed the points. That moment highlighted his aerial ability against bigger defenders.
In another big match, he scored the opener in a Canadian Championship semifinal, helping Montréal reach the final. His movement off the ball in that match opened up space and kept the defense busy.
He also grabbed a crucial equalizer against the New England Revolution, saving a draw in stoppage time. Those moments show his knack for delivering in high-pressure situations.
Assists and Other Metrics
While scoring is his main job, Ibrahim’s link-up play helps the team too. In 2025, he picked up 4 assists in MLS, often by holding up the ball and finding teammates making runs.
His passing accuracy in the attacking third was about 78 percent, which is solid for a forward. He drew 22 fouls, showing he can shield the ball and force defenders into mistakes.
On defense, he chipped in with 10 successful tackles and 14 recoveries in the final third. That gave CF Montréal extra possession in dangerous spots. These numbers point to a well-rounded game that helps the team in more ways than one.
If you want more detailed stats, check out his 2025 season performance data and player profile on Transfermarkt.
Achievements and Honours
You can see Sunusi Ibrahim’s impact in both his scoring records and the trophies he’s helped bring to Montréal. His résumé mixes consistent goals with meaningful contributions to the club’s success in domestic competitions.
Individual Awards
Ibrahim started turning heads in Nigeria with his sharp finishing and smart movement off the ball. As a teenager, he topped the Nigeria Professional Football League scoring charts in 2019 with Nasarawa United. That kind of early success really set the pace for his career.
After joining CF Montréal from 36 Lion FC in January 2021, he picked up three Top Goal Scorer awards in different competitions and seasons. Those titles highlight not just his scoring numbers but also his knack for showing up in big moments.
He’s also gotten international recognition with Nigeria’s U23 team, picking up four caps. Even though he hasn’t scored at that level yet, his selection shows he’s among the country’s top young forwards.
| Award | Year | Club | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NPFL Top Scorer | 2019 | Nasarawa United | 10 goals |
| Top Goal Scorer | Multiple | CF Montréal | Across competitions |
| National Team Call-Up | 2023–2024 | Nigeria U23 | 4 caps |
Team Titles and Championships
At club level, Ibrahim helped CF Montréal win the Canadian Championship. Lifting the domestic cup not only added a trophy to his name but also secured the team a spot in continental competition.
During the 2021 Canadian Championship run, he showed off his versatility. Sometimes he played as a central striker, sometimes out wide, and even dropped deeper to help Montréal control the game.
He contributed in knockout matches with pressing and link-up play, not just goals. That kind of adaptability really made him valuable, especially when the squad rotated a lot during busy stretches.
| Title | Year | Club | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Championship | 2021 | CF Montréal | Domestic Cup |
Stade Saputo and Home Advantage
The setting really matters, doesn’t it? For CF Montréal, playing at Stade Saputo means taking the field in a stadium built for soccer, with an atmosphere that can actually swing results. The layout, the way fans are right on top of the pitch, the turf—all of it shapes how games go, for both home and away teams.
Significance to CF Montréal
Stade Saputo opened in 2008, tucked into Olympic Park, and gives CF Montréal a proper home for about 20,800 fans. The design keeps supporters close, which changes how you feel the game as a player.
You really notice the difference in routine and comfort here. The locker rooms, the training setup, and even knowing the quirks of the artificial turf help you settle in quickly.
For Sunusi Ibrahim, who arrived from 36 Lion FC in 2021 after his time at Nasarawa United, Stade Saputo has become the backdrop for his development. The club’s home record often shows what an edge that familiarity brings.
CF Montréal Home Record (Recent Seasons)
| Season | Home Wins | Home Draws | Home Losses | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 11 | 3 | 3 | 33 | 18 |
| 2023 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 29 | 20 |
Memorable Matches at Stade Saputo
A few matches really show why this venue matters. In the 2022 Canadian Championship quarter-final, Ibrahim bagged a hat trick in a 3-0 win over Forge FC, pushing the team into the semifinals. That night, CF Montréal just took over at home.
Earlier in 2024, Ibrahim scored in a 3-2 win over Inter Miami, keeping the club unbeaten at home against the Florida side. Games like these start to build a pattern of strong home performances.
When you’re out there at Stade Saputo, the crowd’s energy hits you right away. The compact stands mean you hear and feel every reaction, which can really help you focus in tight moments. For attackers like Ibrahim, that can be the little push needed to finish chances.
Sunusi Ibrahim in the MLS Landscape
You see Sunusi Ibrahim as a player who brings pace, smart movement, and efficient finishing to CF Montréal’s attack. His role isn’t just about his goal output; it’s also about how his game stacks up against other MLS forwards and how he impacts the club’s spot in the standings.
Comparisons with Other Attackers
When you stack Ibrahim up against other MLS attackers, his efficiency stands out more than his volume. At just 22 and coming from 36 Lion FC, he’s adapted quickly to the league’s physical style.
He doesn’t take the most shots, but his conversion rate matches the league’s top scorers. Players like Jesús Ferreira and Julián Carranza might rack up more chances, but Ibrahim’s knack for scoring from fewer opportunities keeps him in the Golden Boot conversation.
2024 MLS Regular Season Stats
| Player | Goals | Assists | Shots on Target | Conversion % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunusi Ibrahim | 11 | 4 | 23 | 47.8% |
| Jesús Ferreira | 14 | 6 | 38 | 36.8% |
| Julián Carranza | 13 | 5 | 35 | 37.1% |
His work rate off the ball—pressing defenders and creating space—gives Montréal tactical flexibility you don’t always get from a pure finisher.
Impact on League Standings
You can see Ibrahim’s impact in CF Montréal’s rise up the MLS table. Goals in key matches, like his first in a 2-1 win over New York Red Bulls in 2021, have often come at the right time.
In 2024, his goals directly earned Montréal 12 of their total points. Without those, the club would be several spots lower, and playoff hopes would look a lot shakier.
He scores against top-half teams, so you can count on him when the stakes are high. That reliability, plus his ability to play anywhere across the front line, lets Montréal tweak formations without losing their attacking punch.
In a league where things are always tight, Ibrahim’s steady production has helped Montréal stay in the upper half of the standings.
Betting Insights and Market Value
Sunusi Ibrahim’s role as a starting forward for CF Montréal gives you real data to work with when you’re thinking about wagers. His minutes, scoring rate, and current market value all play into how sportsbooks set odds—and how transfer rumors might shift the lines.
Betting Trends Involving Sunusi Ibrahim
If you follow Ibrahim’s match history, a pattern jumps out: he usually performs better at home in Montréal than on the road. This affects goal scorer props and team total goals markets.
For example, his recent MLS form shows more shots on target in home games, making him a stronger pick in anytime goal scorer bets when CF Montréal plays at Stade Saputo.
Recent Betting-Related Stats (2025 MLS)
| Category | Home Matches | Away Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 4 | 1 |
| Shots on Target | 12 | 6 |
| Minutes per Goal | 180 | 450 |
You also have to factor in his Nigeria U23 call-ups, which can affect his club availability and shift betting lines. Short rest after international duty often means fewer minutes and a lower chance of scoring.
Market Value and Transfer Speculation
Ibrahim’s current market value sits at €1.00 million. Not long ago, it was just €450K.
He’s really earned that bump—consistent minutes, sharper finishing, and honestly, he’s become a pretty reliable attacking threat.
CF Montréal brought him in from Nigerian side 36 Lion FC back in 2021. Before that, he made his pro debut with Nasarawa United.
He’s only 22, and his contract runs until December 31, 2026. There’s even a club option for another year if they want to keep him around.
Transfer rumors? They’re not wild, but they’re always kind of there.
Some clubs in Europe’s lower top leagues have kept tabs on him, especially after he showed up with Nigeria’s U23s.
If that interest heats up, I bet you’ll see betting markets start to move on his next club or a possible transfer.
