Nigerians light up the English FA Cup

Newcastle started their post-Demba BA era with a defeat to Championship side, Brighton Hove and Albion as Shola and Sammy Ameobi became the first brothers to start in the same Newcastle side since George and Ted Robledo graced St. James Park winning FA Cup together in 1952. Newcastle’s misery was compounded when Shola Ameobi was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence in the second half. Brighton won the tie 2-0, the defeat means Newcastle United have played 16 away ties this season and haven’t won any. Victor Moses starred and scored for Chelsea in their 5-1 thumping of Premier League strugglers, Southampton at St Mary’s stadium. New recruit, Demba Ba scored a brace in the rout. John Mikel Obi wasn’t in the squad for the game. Nedum Onuoha was a 71st minute substitute for Queens Park Rangers in their 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion at Loftus Road.

Ikechi Anya, on loan from Granada FC, was an unused substitute for Watford in their 3-0 loss to Premier League reigning champions, Manchester City. Carl Onora Ikeme continued to man the Wolverhampton Wanderers post in absence of Mark Hennesey but couldn’t save his team from losing 1-0 to Luton Town. League One outfit, Crawley Town fielded 3 Nigerians – Hope Akpan, John Akinde and Lateef Elford-Alliyu – in their tie against Reading FC while 19-year old Chigozie Ugwu was also an unused substitute for Reading. Former Everton trainee, Akpan played full 90 minutes while Akinde and Elford-Aliyu joined the game in the 82nd and 68th minute respectively. Reading won the game 3-1.

Seyi Olofinjana played all 90 minutes for Hull City against a Moses Odubajo-Leyton Orient side. The game ended 1-1. Reece Wabara, whose grandfather, Lawrence played for Nigeria, started and finished Oldham Athletics 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest. Former Manchester United trainee, Nicky Ajose was also a 46th minute sub for Peterborough United that was dismantled 3-0 by Norwich City. Peterborough United is coached by Sir Alex Ferguson’s son, Darren.

Kelvin Etuhu, Dickson Etuhu’s younger brother was an unused sub in Barnsley’s 1-0 win over Burnley. The former Manchester City trainee is adjusting to life in football after serving a jail term recently. Kayode Odejayi, famous for his goal that took Barnsley to 2007/2008 FA Cup semi-final, was a 60th minute sub for Rotherham United in their 3-1 loss to Aldershot. 30-year old striker has one Nigerian cap to his name. Charlton Athletic youth team graduate, Adebayo Azeez was thrown into their game against Huddersfield in the 78th minute as a sub for Shaun Wright-Phillips brother, Bradley. Former Leeds United and Everton striker, Jermaine Beckford scored the only goal of the game. Former Liverpool trainee and current Preston North End defender, David Amoo joined the game against Milwall in the 46th minute as Preston pushed for an equaliser. The game ended 1-0 to Milwall. Tom Adeyemi was a 78th minute sub in Brentford’s 2-all draw with Southend United.

Dee Okojie was a 76th minute sub for Hastings United against Middlesbrough but couldn’t help his team from losing 4-1. 16-year old Bamidele Alli starred in MK Dons goalless draw with Sheffield Wednesday.