Mandela Itodo: Nigerian youngster the hero as Dinamo City end 22-year wait for Albanian Cup

Peter Mandela Itodo’s remarkable performance in the Albanian Cup final helped Dinamo City end a 22-year trophy drought, as the club triumphed over Egnatia Rrogozhinë in a penalty shootout, lifting the cup for the first time since 2003, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 21-year-old Nigerian forward, who has been the catalyst for Dinamo City’s impressive cup run, played a crucial role in securing the club’s 14th Albanian Cup title.

His two goals in the final, played inside the 12,800-capacity Elbasan Arena, made him the hero of the night. Itodo’s goals were vital in the 2-2 draw that led to a tense penalty shootout, where Dinamo City triumphed 5-4.

Dinamo City’s journey to the final was eventful and spectacular. In the Round of 16, they demolished Erzeni Shijak 6-1.

This was followed by a 4-2 aggregate victory over Skënderbeu Korçë in the quarterfinals and a thrilling 4-3 aggregate win against Vllaznia Shkodër in the semifinals.

Throughout these matches, Itodo was at the forefront, scoring six goals in just four appearances, including a hat-trick against Erzeni Shijak, a goal against Skënderbeu, and a brace against Vllaznia.

The final itself was a fitting climax to an extraordinary campaign.

Dinamo City took the lead in the 17th minute through Itodo, only for Mali’s Saliou Guindo to equalise for Egnatia Rrogozhinë just before halftime.

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Itodo then put his side back in front just past the hour mark, with his eighth goal of the competition.

However, with the match nearing its end, Egnatia’s Soumaila Bakayoko scored a dramatic equaliser in the 95th minute, sending the game into penalties.

Despite the late drama, Dinamo City held their nerve in the shootout, clinching the victory and ending their long wait for a cup triumph.

Itodo, who finished as the competition’s top scorer with eight goals, was instrumental throughout the tournament, edging out Flamurtari’s Vasil Shkurtaj by three goals to claim the golden boot.

This victory is a major boost for Dinamo City, who are also in contention for the league title.

After finishing third in the regular season, the club now faces Vllaznia Shkodër in the Championship semifinals, with a potential league title in sight.

Itodo’s goalscoring form, having finished as the fourth-highest scorer in the league with 12 goals, will be crucial as Dinamo City aims for further glory.

The Cup victory also marks a promising start to Itodo’s career at the club.

Having joined Dinamo City just last summer from Luzi 2008, his transition into the Kategoria Superiore has been seamless, and he now finds himself at the heart of a team pushing for domestic success.

Who is Mandela Itodo?

Born in Ajegunle, Lagos, to parents from Benue State, Mandela Itodo’s football journey began at a young age through local clubs and academies.

His professional career began at Albanian club Luzi 2008, where he signed ahead of the 2023–24 season.

In his debut season, Itodo scored 19 goals in 33 matches, finishing as the league’s top scorer despite Luzi’s relegation.

He joined Dinamo City in May 2024, signing a three-year contract with the club, and has already made a significant impact in his first season.