The spotlight shifts to the FA Cup quarter-finals as Nigerian internationals Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey gear up for pivotal matches today (Saturday).
Their return to club duty comes on the heels of a turbulent international break, marked by Nigeria’s frustrating World Cup qualifying draw against Zimbabwe.
A high-stakes London derby awaits Fulham and Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, with both teams vying for a rare FA Cup semi-final berth.
Neither club has ever lifted the historic trophy, making the encounter all the more significant.
Fulham enter the match with momentum after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Manchester United in the previous round, a game where Bassey’s goal forced extra time.
The Cottagers have won six of their last eight matches, including an impressive 2-0 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur.
However, they face an unusual hurdle, despite their recent form, they have yet to secure consecutive home wins across all competitions this season.
Iwobi and Bassey are expected to play crucial roles for Fulham. Iwobi has been in fine form, registering seven goals and four assists in 29 Premier League appearances, while Bassey has featured prominently in 28 league games, netting once.
History adds an extra layer of intrigue to this fixture. Fulham have fallen at the quarter-final stage in their last four FA Cup campaigns, last reaching the semi-finals in 2002.
In contrast, Palace have a strong record at this stage, advancing in four of their last five quarter-final ties.
Adding to Fulham’s challenge, Palace are unbeaten in six away matches against them, with the Cottagers failing to claim a home victory over their rivals since January 1, 2005.
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest’s Aina and Awoniyi will take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.
Forest, currently third in the Premier League, will look to Awoniyi to spearhead their attack, especially with manager Nuno Espirito Santo potentially resting top scorer Chris Wood due to injury concerns.
Aina, an ever-present figure in Forest’s defensive setup, has contributed two goals and an assist across 29 appearances this season.
His presence will be key in containing Brighton’s attacking threats.
With a place in the semi-finals at stake, both fixtures promise an evening of intense football action, with Nigerian players poised to leave their mark on the tournament.
