Nigeria’s national team exploits cast a shadow over the FA Cup quarter-finals as Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey prepare for crucial matches on Saturday (today) after a mixed international break marred by a disappointing World Cup qualifying draw against Zimbabwe.
London rivals Fulham and Crystal Palace will battle for a coveted FA Cup semi-final place in a tense quarter-final showdown at Craven Cottage. The match carries significant weight for both teams, who are yet to lift the prestigious trophy in their histories.
Fulham, buoyed by their dramatic penalty-kick victory over Manchester United in the previous round after a Bassey goal clinched a leveler, come into the match with renewed confidence. The team has won six of their last eight matches, including a commanding 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. However, they face a curious statistic – they are yet to win back-to-back home games in all tournaments this season.
Iwobi and Bassey will be key players for Fulham. Iwobi has impressed this season with seven goals and four assists in 29 Premier League games, while Bassey has contributed one goal in 28 league appearances.
The historical record adds intrigue to the fixture. Fulham have been knocked out of their past four FA Cup quarter-final ties since last reaching the semi-finals in 2002, while Palace have prevailed in four of their last five quarter-final matches. Notably, Palace have gone six away games unbeaten against Fulham, who have not won at home against the Eagles since New Year’s Day 2005.
In the other quarter-final, Nottingham Forest’s Aina and Awoniyi will face Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium. Forest, sitting third in the Premier League, will rely on Awoniyi to lead their attack, with manager Nuno Espirito Santo potentially resting top scorer Chris Wood due to injury concerns.
Aina, who has featured in 29 games this season, contributing two goals and one assist, will be crucial in stabilising Forest’s backline against Brighton’s potent attack.
Both matches promise high drama as these teams continue their hunt for FA Cup glory, with the Nigerian contingent playing crucial roles in their respective teams’ campaigns.
