The Emirates FA Cup fifth-round draw has set the stage for an exciting showdown, with several Nigerian stars gearing up for crucial battles. Among them, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey’s Fulham have been handed a high-stakes clash against Manchester United—a chance for redemption after previous heartbreaks.

For Iwobi, this isn’t just another fixture; it’s a shot at revenge. Earlier this season, Fulham fell to United both home and away in the Premier League. Adding to the sting, their last FA Cup meeting in 2023 ended in dramatic fashion, with the Cottagers collapsing to a 3-1 defeat after going down to nine men. This time, the Nigerian midfielder will be aiming to rewrite the script when his side travels to Old Trafford in early March.

Meanwhile, Muhamed Tijani’s Plymouth Argyle faces a David vs. Goliath clash against defending Premier League champions Manchester City. Guardiola’s men are heavy favorites, making it an uphill battle for the Nigerian forward and his teammates. Yet, the beauty of the FA Cup lies in its surprises—can Tijani and Plymouth pull off the unthinkable at the Etihad?

Elsewhere, Jamilu Collins’ Cardiff City is set for a daunting trip to high-flying Aston Villa, while Nottingham Forest’s Nigerian duo, Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi, must first overcome Exeter City in the fourth round before setting up a potential meeting with Ipswich Town.

With a quarter-final spot and a hefty £225,000 prize on the line, these Nigerian stars have everything to play for. Will Iwobi’s Fulham finally get their revenge? Can Tijani’s Plymouth shock the world? The answers will unfold in March.

Full FA Cup Fifth Round Fixtures:

Preston North End vs Burnley

Aston Villa vs Cardiff City

Doncaster Rovers or Crystal Palace vs Millwall

Manchester United vs Fulham

Newcastle United vs Brighton & Hove Albion

AFC Bournemouth vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Manchester City vs Plymouth Argyle

Exeter City or Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich Town