Super Eagles stars Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Tolu Arokodare and Bright Osayi-Samuel experienced mixed fortunes in Sunday’s FA Cup matches, with some making an impact to help their clubs reach the fifth round, while others either suffered defeat or remained on the bench.

Making back-to-back starts for the first time since his return from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Bright Osayi-Samuel was in action for 80 minutes as Birmingham City were beaten on penalties by Leeds United

In a thrilling encounter at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, cap-tied Germany international of Nigerian descent Lukas Nmecha’s second half strike appeared to have sent Leeds through, only for Patrick Roberts to snatch a last-minute equaliser.

Leeds United progressed to the fifth round, winning 4-2 on penalties. 

At the bet365 Stadium, Fulham booked their spot in the fifth round after coming from behind to beat Championship opponents Stoke City 2--1.

Of the three Nigerian internationals at Fulham, only Alex Iwobi saw game time, while Calvin Bassey remained an unused substitute and Samuel Chukwueze was absent from the matchday squad.

After the Potters took the lead through Bae Junho, Iwobi came close to levelling the scores, only for his header to narrowly miss the target.

Second half goals from Kevin and Harrison Reed saw Fulham progress to the next round.

Elsewhere, Tolu Arokodare failed to score in a Cup match for the first time since landing in England, firing blanks in 90 minutes of action as Wolverhampton Wanderers secured a 1-0 win over Grimsby Town at Blundell Park.

Uruguay international defender Santiago Bueno scored what would proved to be the game-winning in the 60th minute.

Arokodare scored on his Carabao Cup and FA Cup debuts against Everton and Shrewsbury Town respectively and also found the net against Chelsea in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel