SEVERAL Super Eagles stars will hope to get playing time today as their clubs seek fourth round slots in the English FA Cup.
Joe Aribo, who has been in and out of the team since the arrival of Nathan Jones as head coach in November, should be involved for Southampton in their fixture at Crystal Palace in one of early kick-offs.
Southampton have struggled under Jones since he replaced Ralph Hasenhuttl in early November, losing four of their five fixtures in all competitions.
Aribo has not figured much in that period, with the Nigeria midfielder starting only once under Jones so far.
He will hope to be given an opportunity today as the Saints seek redemption at Selhurst Park, where they will come up against Nigerian pair Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, who are yet to commit to the Super Eagles.
Also in an early kick-off, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho are in line for action in Leicester City’s trip to lower-league Gillingham.
Ndidi was a sure starter for the Foxes for many years until recently due to his struggles with injuries, while Iheanacho has often been an option off the bench.
Both will be hoping for some action as the 2021 FA Cup winners face the fourth-tier side.
Super Eagles centre-back William Troost-Ekong played only seven minutes of Watford’s Championship win at Norwich City on Monday, two days after starting and completing the 4-0 defeat at Swansea City.
That has been the pattern with the Nigeria international this season and he will be eager to be involved as the Hornets face fellow Championship side Reading away in another early kick-off.
In one of the afternoon kick-offs, in-form Taiwo Awoniyi will hope to continue his impressive run when Nottingham Forest travel to second-tier Blackpool.
Awoniyi has been named man of the match in Forest’s last two games, the Super Eagles striker scoring the only goal in Wednesday’s 1-0 Premier League win at Southampton.
