Why Celtic match-winner in Scottish Cup final against Rangers rejected chance to play for Nigeria 

Celtic completed a league and cup double after beating local rivals Rangers 1-0 in the final of the Scottish Cup at  Hampden Park on Saturday.

Nigeria internationals Leon Balogun and Cyriel Dessers started for the Light Blues, with the former making his first appearance since suffering a back injury in the first half of a 4-1 win versus Kilmarnock on May 5. 

A third player with Nigerian roots in Adam Idah came off the bench for the last twenty-eight minutes and it proved to be an inspired substitution by manager Brendan Rodgers as the Norwich City loanee scored what proved to be the game-winning goal. 

Paulo Bernardo's initial shot was saved but Idah was on hand to slot home the rebound from close range.

Born in Cork to an Irish mother and Nigerian father, Idah was eligible to play international football for the Super Eagles before he became cap-tied to the Republic of Ireland whilst still a teenager. 

Before the Football Association of Ireland completely secured his international future, he played in competitive matches for their youth teams. 

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that the Nigeria Football Federation stood no chance of luring Idah to the Super Eagles because the striker has a frosty relationship with his Nigerian dad, Charles Idah. 

The Football Association of Ireland also won the recruitment battle for young exciting players Michael Obafemi, Gavin Bazunu, Andrew Omobamidele and Festy Ebosele, and Lagos-born winger Chiedozie Ogbene. 

Idah has earned 24 caps for the Boys in Green and has three goals to his name. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: celticfc.com

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