In a compelling third-round clash of the Norwegian Cup, IK Start secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against third-tier side Egersund, marking a crucial advancement into the round of 16. The encounter, which unfolded on Wednesday, saw Mathias Bringaker clinch the winning goal for IK Start in the 76th minute.
A noteworthy development in the match was the absence of former home-based Super Eagles star, Aremu Afeez, who remained an unused substitute throughout the game. Despite his anticipation for action on the field, Afeez watched from the bench as IK Start navigated their way to the next stage of the tournament.
IK Start, historically vying for Norwegian Cup glory, has never clinched the coveted title but boasts a remarkable record of reaching the semi-finals on five occasions. The triumph against Egersund adds another chapter to their cup journey, fueling the team’s aspirations for a breakthrough in the tournament.
Afeez, an 18-year-old talent, joined IK Start in January from Nigeria’s Westerlo Football Academy on a three-year deal. Since his arrival, he has made eight league appearances, finding the net once. His promising trajectory includes a stint with Akwa United on loan from Westerlo in the Nigeria Professional Football League, contributing significantly to the team’s victory in the Aiteo Cup.
Notably, Afeez played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles, securing a commendable second-place finish in the 2017 West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Nations Cup held in Ghana. As he remains a key figure for IK Start, fans eagerly await his continued contributions in the upcoming stages of the Norwegian Cup.
