Confirmed: 2015 U20 Afcon-winning midfielder swaps FC Zurich for Neftci PFK

Azerbaijan Premier League side Neftçi PFK have confirmed the capture of Nigerian midfielder Ifeanyi Mathew, a member of the Flying Eagles squad that won the 2015 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

The 28-year-old joins from Swiss outfit FC Zürich on a one-year deal, with the Baku club retaining an option to extend his stay for the 2026–2027 season. 

He has been handed the number 18 shirt for the remainder of the campaign.

Mathew began his career in his homeland with El-Kanemi Warriors and Kano Pillars before moving to Norway, where he became a key figure at Lillestrøm SK. 

Over seven years, he made 196 appearances for the club, contributing 20 goals and 18 assists. 

He was instrumental in their 2017 Norwegian Cup triumph, registering one goal and three assists in the competition, and later earned the Norwegian First Division Player of the Month award in November 2020.

His European adventure also included a loan spell in Turkey with Osmanlıspor during the second half of the 2018–2019 season, before sealing a switch to Switzerland with Zurich.

On the international stage, Mathew featured in four matches as Nigeria clinched the U20 AFCON title in Senegal, and later represented the Flying Eagles at the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

Neftçi, currently sitting eighth in the Azerbaijan Premier League, will hope Mathew’s experience and pedigree can help turn their season around, starting with Saturday's home clash against Karvan IK.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com