Gideon Kodua, the former West Ham United youth-team captain now playing for Luton Town in England’s third tier, is already building quite the reputation as something of a cup specialist.
Hatters boss Jack Wilshere was in the Arsenal dugout when Kodua skippered the Hammers to FA Youth Cup glory in 2023; a performance he capped with a sublime long-range lob in a 5-1 battering of their London rivals.
Three years on, Wilshere and Gideon Kodua could savour Wembley glory together as Luton defeated Stockport County 3-1 in the Vertu Trophy Final.
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West Ham United graduate Gideon Kodua helps Luton Town beat Stockport County
Kodua stepped off the bench at the national stadium, playing the final quarter of an hour.
This meant he was on the pitch when Nakhi Wells, the veteran former Huddersfield, Bristol City and Bradford striker, put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time.
Gideon Kodua lifts the Vertu Trophy after Luton Town beat Stockport County in the final.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
“Every step is progress when you come from the trench,” a delighted Kodua wrote in a victorious post-match statement on his official Instagram account, accompanied by a selection of photos showing the winger parading the trophy formerly known as the Johnstone’s Paint.
This is not only Kodua’s first trophy in senior football, but also Wilshere’s in management.
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“It’s a really nice feeling,” said the 34-year-old, who played 16 Premier League matches for the Hammers between 2018 and 2020. “Mainly I’m just happy for the players as we spoke a lot after games, before games, and at times we’ve spoken about confidence.
“We’ve spoken about belief, which you can’t change overnight, you have to go through and experience things, come back stronger, and you need players who can help you with that.
Kodua leaves for just £1m after nine goals in 17 starts…
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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.
“[The experienced players] are so important to the other players, the young players, the players that are starting out in their careers. I’m just really happy for them.”
Kodua left West Ham permanently just two months ago. Luton triggered the £1 million purchase clause in his contract following a lively loan spell at Kenilworth Road.
With ten goals and 43 appearances under his belt, and now a Wembley winners’ medal to boot, Kodua could not have asked for much more as he embarks upon a career away from Rush Green.
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