Arsenal progressed to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup after defeating third-tier side Mansfield Town 2-1 at Field Mill on Saturday afternoon, with four Nigeria-eligible players included in the matchday squad. 

Defender Deji Oshilaja started for the Stags, while Ibadan-born striker Victor Adeboyejo came off the bench in the second half for the home side. 

Hale End Academy graduates Andre Harriman-Annous and Ife Ibrahim were named among the substitutes but did not feature.

It was an emotional occasion for Adeboyejo, who spent time in Arsenal's academy during his schoolboy years before going on to represent fellow London clubs AFC Wimbledon, Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient.

After the final whistle, Adeboyejo was spotted by the cameras embracing fellow Nigeria-eligible player Eberechi Eze, who continued his impressive FA Cup form by scoring the winning goal shortly after coming off the bench.

Four minutes before the interval, Noni Madueke opened the scoring with a trademark curling effort into the top corner.

Mansfield Town substitute Will Evans restored parity for the hosts, slotting into the bottom corner four minutes into the second half.

Following a three-year spell with Bolton Wanderers, Adeboyejo joined Mansfield Town during the January transfer window, signing a deal that runs until the end of the 2025–2026 season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel