Bernie Ibini-Isei

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Bernie Ibini-Isei

| image = Bernie Ibini-Isei.jpg

| image_size =

| caption = Ibini playing for Central Coast Mariners Youth in 2010

| fullname = Bernie Alpha Ibini-Isei

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|09|12|df=y}}

| birth_place = Port Harcourt, Nigeria

| height = 1.87 m{{cite web|url=http://www.sydneyfc.com/player/bernie-ibini/1mrbmztz21gi1jtj5c2dndfo6|title=Bernie Ibini-Isei – Sydney FC Team|access-date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215085656/http://www.sydneyfc.com/player/bernie-ibini/1mrbmztz21gi1jtj5c2dndfo6|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=dead}}

| position = Winger, forward

| currentclub =

| clubnumber =

| youthyears1 =

| youthclubs1 = Blacktown City

| youthyears2 = 2009–2011

| youthclubs2 = Central Coast Mariners

| years1 = 2010–2013

| clubs1 = Central Coast Mariners

| caps1 = 61

| goals1 = 15

| years2 = 2010–2011

| clubs2 = → Blacktown City (loan)

| caps2 = 12

| goals2 = 1

| years3 = 2013–2015

| clubs3 = Shanghai Dongya

| caps3 = 10

| goals3 = 0

| years4 = 2013–2014

| clubs4 = → Central Coast Mariners (loan)

| caps4 = 16

| goals4 = 6

| years5 = 2014–2015

| clubs5 = → Sydney FC (loan)

| caps5 = 28

| goals5 = 7

| years6 = 2015–2017

| clubs6 = Club Brugge

| caps6 = 0

| goals6 = 0

| years7 = 2016–2017

| clubs7 = → Sydney FC (loan)

| caps7 = 20

| goals7 = 3

| years8 = 2017–2018

| clubs8 = Vancouver Whitecaps

| caps8 = 25

| goals8 = 1

| years9 = 2018–2019

| clubs9 = Emirates Club

| caps9 = 8

| goals9 = 1

| years10 = 2019

| clubs10 = Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

| caps10 = 13

| goals10 = 1

| years11 = 2020

| clubs11 = Newcastle Jets

| caps11 = 6

| goals11 = 1

| years12 = 2020–2022

| clubs12 = Western Sydney Wanderers

| caps12 = 46

| goals12 = 5

| years13 = 2023

| clubs13 = Lion City Sailors

| caps13 = 8

| goals13 = 0

| nationalyears1 = 2011

| nationalteam1 = Australia U20

| nationalcaps1 = 6

| nationalgoals1 = 1

| nationalyears2 = 2011

| nationalteam2 = Australia U23

| nationalcaps2 = 1

| nationalgoals2 = 0

| nationalyears3 = 2014–2015

| nationalteam3 = Australia

| nationalcaps3 = 2

| nationalgoals3 = 0

| pcupdate = 2 May 2023

| ntupdate = 15 October 2014

}}

Bernie Alpha Ibini-Isei (born 12 September 1992), also known simply as Bernie Ibini, is a professional football player who plays as a striker or a winger, and most recently played for Singapore Premier League club Lion City Sailors. Born in Nigeria, Ibini-Isei represented Australia internationally.

Early life

Bernie Ibini-Isei immigrated to Australia from Nigeria when he was a child, and grew up in Sydney's Canterbury-Bankstown region. His passion for soccer was obvious from a very young age, and at the age of six years old he was registered to play for his local club Earlwood Wanderers.

He has a sister, Princess Ibini-Isei, who is also a soccer player, playing for Sydney FC in the W-League and the Australian team.{{cite web |last1=Buckley |first1=Danielle |title=Princess Ibini-Isei following royal path of Socceroo brother Bernie |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/localsportsstars/princess-ibiniisei-following-royal-path-of-socceroo-brother-bernie/news-story/2ce9ecfeb28df245d150b8d6f33476ef |website=Daily Telegraph |access-date=1 February 2019}}

Club career

Ibini started playing soccer for New South Wales Premier League club Blacktown City at youth level. He was immediately recognized as a player with immense potential and was selected to join Westfields Sports High School.{{cite web |last1=AAP |title=Bernie Ibini exits Vancouver Whitecaps, joins Emirates Club |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/3589825/bernie-ibini-exits-vancouver-whitecaps-joins-emirates-club |website=ESPN |date=9 August 2018 |access-date=1 February 2019}}

=Central Coast Mariners=

In 2009, he was signed by the Central Coast Mariners to join their youth team in the A League competition. In 2009, he received the Golden Boot Award in the National Youth League and was quickly promoted to the senior team, where he made his debut on 12 February 2010, in their round 27 clash against Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.{{cite web|url=http://www.a-league.com.au/Scoreboard_HAL/0000420174/scoreboard.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716063905/http://www.a-league.com.au/Scoreboard_HAL/0000420174/scoreboard.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 July 2012 |title=Hyundai A-League Home }} Ibini-Isei made his starting debut for the Mariners against the Gold Coast and scored in a 3–1 win. After just his third start for the Central Coast Mariners Ibini-Isei scored the second goal for the Central Coast Mariners against Perth Glory. His speed and skill quickly gained the attention of the Australian under 20 National Team coach to play a key role in the U20 World Cup.

His consistent development and performances earned Bernie a two-year contract extension with the club, and on 1 February 2012 it was announced that he had signed a two-year contract extension with Central Coast Mariners.{{cite web|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/230391,bernie-ibini-signs-on-for-two-more-years.aspx|title=Bernie Ibini Signs On For Two More Years|website=FourFourTwo|access-date=9 May 2017|archive-date=2 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102191500/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/230391,bernie-ibini-signs-on-for-two-more-years.aspx|url-status=dead}}

=Shanghai East Asia=

On 4 June 2013, after his superb performances in the 2012/2013 Asian Champions League round of 16 clash against Guangzhou Evergrande, Central Coast Mariners received a record bid for Ibini from Shanghai East Asia FC who were keen to add to their squad list for the Chinese Super League. Three days later his move to newly promoted Chinese Super League side Shanghai East Asia, was complete with Ibini signing a three-year contract.[http://sports.sina.com.cn/j/2013-06-04/18286604864.shtml 东亚官方宣布2次转会第1签 3年合同锁澳大利亚锋将]{{in lang|zh}} This move made Ibini one of the most expensive under 21 players 21 in Asia. Bernie made an immediate impact in the Chinese Super League with his speed and skill playing as a wide striker. However, in November 2013, due to the unexpected tragic death of his father Ibini gained permission to return to the Australian A League, and previous club Central Coast Mariners on loan on compassionate grounds. The loan move took effect on 8 January 2014 and was until 31 May 2014 after which he was then to return to Shanghai.

==Loan to Sydney FC==

In May 2014 Ibini signed for Sydney FC on loan,{{cite web|url=http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2014/05/12/ibini-signs-sydney-fc|title=Ibini signs for Sydney FC|date=12 May 2014|publisher=SBS|access-date=3 June 2015}} making his debut in round 1 of the A League season against Melbourne City. Ibini scored his first goal in the Sydney Derby in a 1–1 draw. In the last three rounds of the A league season Ibini scored three goals: a contender for goal of the season against Perth Glory, a lob over the goalkeeper against Newcastle United and a solo goal against Wellington Phoenix. Although Sydney wanted to keep Ibini, he was recalled by Shanghai on 3 June 2015{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/all-change-at-sydney-fc-as-graham-arnold-dumps-key-players-and-lose-bernie-ibini-20150603-ghfqd8.html?eid=socialn:twi-14omn0015-optim-nnn:nonpaid-27/06/2014-social_traffic-all-organicpost-nnn-smh-o&campaign_code=nocode&promote_channel=social_twitter|title=All change at Sydney FC as Graham Arnold dumps key players and lose Bernie Ibini|last=Hassett|first=Sebastian|date=3 June 2015|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=3 June 2015}} Ibini played in every A-League fixture for Sydney during the 2014–15 season.

=Club Brugge=

Following his release from Sydney, due to his contract ending on 1 May, Ibini missed out on playing against 2014–15 Premier League champions Chelsea in a friendly at ANZ Stadium. It was shortly announced thereafter that Ibini had gained permission from Shanghai East Asia to travel to Belgium for a medical with Club Brugge with Shanghai unlikely to retain him due to their foreign player quota already filled.{{cite web|url=http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2015/06/03/ibini-agrees-dream-deal-club-brugge|title=Ibini signs for Sydney FC|last=Lewis|first=David|date=3 June 2015|publisher=SBS|access-date=3 June 2015}} He signed a three-year deal with the club on 5 June 2015.{{cite web|url=http://clubbrugge.be/en/news/20406/bernie-ibini-3-years-at-club-brugge|title=Bernie Ibini 3 years at Club Brugge|date=5 June 2015|publisher=Club Brugge|access-date=5 June 2015}} It was announced that Ibini would wear the number 11 shirt.

==Second loan to Sydney FC==

After being ruled out for the 2015–16 Belgian Pro League season due to a broken leg he suffered in his first training session with Club Brugge, it was announced on 21 July 2016 that Ibini would return to Sydney FC on a loan deal once again.{{cite web|url=http://www.sydneyfc.com/article/star-forward-returns-to-sydney-fc/19myz3inbt5u81aovq8taelz6o|title=Star Forward Returns To Sydney FC|publisher=Sydney FC|date=21 July 2016}} He made his return from injury in an FFA Cup semi-final against Canberra Olympic on 19 October 2016, coming on as a second-half substitute and scoring a late goal in a 3–0 win.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/ffa-cup/bernie-ibinis-return-arnie-would-probably-lose-it-at-me-if-i-didnt-get-to-the-back-post/news-story/d5af9ab25a94e2269523e7345a20c537|title=Bernie Ibini's return: 'Arnie would probably lose it at me if I didn't get to the back post'|work=Fox Sports|date=20 October 2016|access-date=21 October 2016|author=Puterflam, Michael}}

==Vancouver Whitecaps==

On 9 May 2017, Ibini signed with Major League Soccer club Vancouver Whitecaps on a one-year deal with an option to make it a two-year deal.{{cite web | title=Whitecaps FC acquire winger/forward Bernie Ibini from Belgian club Brugge KV | website=Vancouver Whitecaps FC | date=9 May 2017 | url=https://www.whitecapsfc.com/post/2017/05/09/whitecaps-fc-acquire-wingerforward-bernie-ibini-belgian-club-brugge-kv | access-date=9 May 2017}} On 8 August 2018, the Whitecaps announced that they and Ibini-Isei had "mutually agreed to a contract termination" to allow him to sign with Emirates Club of the UAE Pro League.{{cite web|url=https://www.whitecapsfc.com/post/2018/08/08/whitecaps-fc-and-midfielder-bernie-ibini-mutually-agree-part-ways|title=Whitecaps FC and midfielder Bernie Ibini mutually agree to part ways|publisher=Whitecaps FC}}

==Jeonbuk Hyundai==

In January 2019 Ibini signed with Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.{{cite news|url=https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/ibini-makes-korean-switch-518130|title=Ibini makes Korean switch|publisher=ftbl.com.au|access-date=25 January 2019|date=20 January 2019}} He left Jeonbuk, and arranged a transfer to Esteghlal only for the contract to be rescinded after Ibini failed a medical clearance at the club.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}}

=Return to Australia=

==Newcastle Jets & Western Sydney Wanderers==

After his unsuccessful attempt to land a contract in Iran, Ibini returned to Australia and signed a short-term contract with Newcastle Jets, re-uniting with manager Carl Robinson whom he had played under at Vancouver.{{cite web |title=BERNIE JETS BACK INTO OZ |url=https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/bernie-jets-back-into-oz-538478 |website=FTBL |access-date=4 April 2023}} Carl Robinson would quit his position as manager at the Hunter based club after less than a year, citing financial reasons at the club as part of his motive,{{cite news |last1=Homer |first1=Ben |title=Newcastle Jets coach Carl Robinson joins rival Western Sydney Wanderers as dire financial state laid bare |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-15/newcastle-jets-coach-carl-robinson-joins-rival-a-league-club/12771262 |website=ABC News |date=15 October 2020 |access-date=4 April 2023}} joining Sydney rival Western Sydney Wanderers, signing a lucrative 3-year deal.{{cite web |last1=Monteverde |first1=Marco |title=A-League: Robinson has no qualms about deserting Jets to coach Wanderers |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/aleague-robinson-has-no-qualms-about-deserting-jets-to-coach-wanderers/news-story/64096ada43a94c597ea7cb151094ffe3 |website=news.com.au |access-date=4 April 2023}} In a move that was seen as controversial for its reasoning,{{cite web |last1=Rugari |first1=Vince |title=Ibini hits back at Jets' doubts over mental health 'excuse' |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/it-s-disgraceful-ibini-hits-back-at-jets-claims-over-mental-health-issues-20201217-p56od6.html |website=Sydney Morning Herald |date=17 December 2020 |access-date=4 April 2023}} Ibini would follow Robinson to Western Sydney only days later, signing a 2-year deal with the Western Sydney club.{{cite web |title=WANDERERS SECURE IBINI |date=17 December 2020 |url=https://wswanderersfc.com.au/news/wanderers-secure-ibini |publisher=Western Sydney Wanderers |access-date=4 April 2023}} after nearly 50 league appearances for the Wanderers he was released.

=Lion City Sailors=

Following his release from the Wanderers, Ibini signed for Singapore Premier League club Lion City Sailors for the 2023 season.{{cite news |last1=Ganesan |first1=Deepanraj |title=Lion City Sailors sign Australian striker Ibini to replace injured Tanaka |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/lion-city-sailors-sign-australian-striker-ibini-to-replace-injured-tanaka |newspaper=The Straits Times |date=29 March 2023 |access-date=4 April 2023}} His contract was mutually terminated on 15 August following lackluster performances and the signing of Richairo Živković.{{Cite web |last=Sailors |first=Lion City |date=2023-08-15 |title=Bernie leaves the Sailors |url=https://www.lioncitysailorsfc.sg/bernie-leaves-the-sailors/ |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=Lion City Sailors FC |language=en-US}}

International career

Ibini made his debut for the Australian U-20 team in 2011, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 1–0 win against Germany U-20.

On 7 March 2011, he was selected to represent the Australia Olympic football team in an Asian Olympic Qualifier match against Iraq.{{cite web|url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Vidmar-names-U23s-squad-to-face-Iraq/45985|title=Vidmar names U23s squad to face Iraq|access-date=9 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609005106/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Vidmar-names-U23s-squad-to-face-Iraq/45985|archive-date=9 June 2012}}

On 10 October 2014, he made his debut for the Australian senior team, starting in a friendly match against the United Arab Emirates in preparation for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.{{cite web|url=http://www.socceroos.com.au/article/socceroos-left-frustrated-in-abu-dhabi/1fpambrsfp60u12mrfeiyq6gyz|title=Socceroos left frustrated in Abu Dhabi|publisher=Football Federation Australia|first=John|last=Greco|date=10 October 2014}}

Career statistics

{{updated|8 August 2021|{{citation needed|date=August 2018}}}}

rowspan="2"\|Club !rowspan="2"\|Season !colspan="3"\|League !colspan="2"\|Cup !colspan="2"\|Continental !colspan="2"\|Total
class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" \|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
rowspan="5"\|Central Coast Mariners \|2009–10 \|rowspan="4"\|A-League \|1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
2010–11 \|4	1	0	0	0	0	4	1
2011–12 \|29	7	0	0	6	0	35	7
2012–13 \|27	7	0	0	8	0	35	7
colspan="2"\|Club total	61	15	0	0	14	0	75	15
Blacktown City (loan) \|2010 \|NSW Premier League \|12	1	2	0	0	0	14	1
Shanghai Dongya \|2013 \|Chinese Super League \|10	0	1	0	0	0	11	0
Central Coast Mariners (loan) \|2013–14 \|rowspan="2"\|A-League \|16	6	0	0	5	0	21	6
Sydney FC (loan) \|2014–15 \|28	7	2	0	0	0	30	7
Club Brugge \|2015–16 \|Belgian Pro League \|0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Sydney FC (loan) \|2016–17 \|A-League \|20	3	1	1	0	0	21	4
rowspan="3"\|Vancouver Whitecaps \|2017 \|rowspan="2"\|Major League Soccer \|17	1	0	0	0	0	17	1
2018 \|8	0	1	0	0	0	9	0
colspan="2"\|Club total	25	1	1	0	0	0	26	1
Emirates Club \|2018–19 \|UAE Pro League \|8	1	2	0	0	0	10	1
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors \|2019 \|K League 1 \|13	1	0	0	2	0	15	1
Newcastle Jets \|2019–20 \|rowspan=3\|A-League \|6	1	0	0	0	0	6	1
rowspan=3\|Western Sydney Wanderers \|2020–21 \|26	4	0	0	0	0	26	4
2021–22 \|20	1	2	1	0	0	22	2
colspan="2"\|Club total	46	5	2	1	0	0	48	6
colspan="3"\|Career total	245	41	11	2	21	0	277	43

Honours

=Club=

Central Coast Mariners:

Sydney FC

A-League Premiership: 2016–17

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

K League 1: 2019

=Individual=

Y-League Golden Boot: 2010–11
A-League All Star: 2014{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/08/10/world/hybrid-friendlies/a-league-all-stars/juventus-fc/1876427/|title=A-League All Stars vs. Juventus 2 – 3|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=20 February 2015}}