Gideon Kodua, a former West Ham United youth-team captain, knows a thing or two about what is required to triumph in a cup final.
Kodua scored a sublime lob as the Hammers thrashed Arsenal 5-1 in the FA Youth Cup final in 2023.
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West Ham's 2023 FA Youth Cup XI
Whether on loan or via a permanent parting of the ways, Gideon Kodua is one of a handful of West Ham United graduates now building up their experience in the third-tier of English football, alongside Michael Forbes, Kamarai Swyer, Kaelan Casey and Patrick Kelly.
Two months after Luton Town secured Kodua’s signature for a bargain £1 million, the London-born wideman may feel he has a debt to repay Hatters boss Jack Wilshere at Wembley.
Gideon Kodua can repay Jack Wilshere after West Ham United’s FA Youth Cup triumph
Gideon Kodua celebrates during Arsenal U18 v West Ham United U18 - FA Youth Cup Final
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Luton face Stockport County in Sunday’s Vertu Trophy final.
Beat their League One rivals, and the former Hammers playmaker Wilshere will secure Luton their first EFL Trophy triumph since Claude Gnakpa broke Scunthorpe hearts in 2009.
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Wilshere was Arsenal’s U18 coach when Kodua scored with a glorious long-range effort in that FA Youth Cup final a few seasons back. This time, manager and winger are pulling in the same direction, joining forces with Wembley glory up for grabs.
“My job is to try and focus on the process of how we win the game and give the players all the support and clarity they need,” Wilshere told GHR Bucks in the build up. “But there’s no getting away from that it’s a really proud moment for me.
Kodua leaves for just £1m after nine goals in 17 starts…
How do YOU feel about the deal?
Luton Town's Gideon Kodua celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the Sky Bet League One match between Luton Town and Bolton Wanderers at Kenilworth Road on November 29, 2025 in Luton, England.
“To get a little trip to Wembley, and hopefully lift a trophy at the end, will be a really nice thing because of the dedication and the hours that we put in to try and help the players.”
In 42 games across all competitions, Kodua has scored ten times for Luton. The former Hammers kid has found starts hard to come by recently, however.
He was surprisingly left out of the squad for the 3-0 midweek win at Wycombe Wanderers, though that might have been a decision made in order to keep him rested for that trip to the national stadium.
Saving Hatters’ skin in the FA Cup against Forest Green Rovers and developing a penchant for decisive late goals, whether off the bench or from the start, expect Kodua to have something to say on Sunday.
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