Nigerian midfielder Ifeanyi Mathew has sealed a two-year deal with Azerbaijani top club Neftçi on a free transfer, following the expiration of his contract with Swiss champions FC Zurich.
The Azerbaijani side confirmed the transfer on its Instagram page, unveiling the 28-year-old with the caption: “A new chapter begins with Mathew.”
The move came just days after Mathew welcomed his first child with his partner, Grace Mathew, a development he described as a double blessing.
“Our Prince Charming has opened another door for his Dad,” he wrote in a post dedicating his move to his newborn son.
A Career of Consistent Growth
Mathew had been a free agent since May after seeing out his contract with FC Zurich. Known for his vision and trademark goals from midfield, the Nigerian attracted interest from several European clubs before opting for Azerbaijan’s most decorated team.
The Kaduna-born player first announced himself on the international stage in 2013 at the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where he helped Nigeria reach the final.
Two years later, he was part of the Flying Eagles squad that clinched the U-20 AFCON title in Senegal under Coach Manu Garba.
Later in 2015, he featured at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, lining up alongside some of Nigeria’s brightest talents including Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Simon, Wilfred Ndidi, and Isaac Success. The team, however, exited in the round of 16.
CHAN Breakthrough and Super Eagles Recognition
Mathew’s stock rose further when he starred for Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles at the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Rwanda.
Despite the presence of more established names, he cemented a place in the starting XI with impressive midfield displays.
His standout moment came in a warm-up game against Côte d’Ivoire, where he scored the decisive goal moments into the second half, capping a five-star performance.
Then Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh publicly praised Mathew, describing him as Nigeria’s best performer at the tournament.
A New Chapter Abroad
The midfielder’s switch to Neftçih represents a fresh chapter in a career that has spanned youth tournaments, senior internationals, and top-flight European football.
Neftçih, 9-time Azerbaijani champions and one of the most successful clubs in the country, will be hoping Mathew adds experience and creativity to their midfield as they chase domestic glory and European qualification.
For Mathew, the timing of the move is particularly significant. With fatherhood and a new contract coinciding, the midfielder begins this chapter both as a professional athlete and a family man.
“I see this as a fresh beginning — for my career and my family,” he said.
