Ifeanyi Matthew Guides Lillestrom to Norwegian FA Cup Triumph

Former home-based Super Eagles midfielder Ifeanyi Matthew played a pivotal role as Lillestrom secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Sarpsborg, claiming the Norwegian FA Cup title on Sunday. The former Wikki Tourists player, who showcased exceptional form throughout the season, appeared in all 30 league games for Lillestrom, contributing three goals. Matthew’s stellar performance in the cup final, where he played the entire duration, marked a significant achievement, clinching his first trophy with the modest side.

Lillestrom, narrowly avoiding relegation from the top league, has now earned the right to compete in the Europa League for the upcoming season. The 20-year-old midfielder, who joined Lillestrom from Nigeria Professional Football League club Kano Pillars last year, has steadily made his mark on the Norwegian football scene.

Matthew, a member of Nigeria’s home-based side that featured in the African Nations Championship in Rwanda in 2016, continues to make strides in his professional career. His success adds another chapter to the growing influence of Nigerian players in European football.

Sarpsborg, who recently secured the services of Matthew’s former international teammate Usman Mohammed on a three-year deal, finished in third position in the league. Notably, three other Nigerians, Marco Tagbajumi, Chinedu Ezeh, and Moses Ebiye, were part of Lillestrom’s squad for the final. While Tagbajumi entered the game as a late replacement for Earling Knudtzon, Ebiye and Ezeh remained on the substitute bench for the entirety of the match.