FA Cup: Adeboyejo shares laugh with Arsenal match-winner Eze as Mansfield crash

There was little joy for Nigerian forward Ayomide Victor Adeboyejo and his side Mansfield Town after they were knocked out of the FA Cup following a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday, Afrik-Foot reports.

However, the 28-year-old still found time to share a friendly moment with Eberechi Eze after the final whistle.

Eze scored the winning goal for Arsenal in the 66th minute. The midfielder had just come off the bench to replace Kai Havertz when he struck a powerful effort from outside the box.

Adeboyejo was also among the substitutes when the goal went in. The Ibadan-born striker started the match on the bench and came on later after Arsenal had regained the lead.

The Nigerian only joined Mansfield in January from Bolton Wanderers and is still searching for his first goal for the club.

He was unable to make a big impact against Arsenal as Mansfield’s FA Cup run came to an end in front of their home fans.

Even so, Adeboyejo had a reason to smile after the match because he reunited with an old acquaintance in Eze.

Before making his professional debut with Leyton Orient, Adeboyejo spent part of his youth career at Arsenal and Crystal Palace, two clubs also linked with Eze earlier in his career.

After the referee blew the final whistle, the pair stood together at the centre of the pitch, chatting and laughing as they caught up.

Arsenal survive Mansfield scare to reach FA Cup quarter-finals

Arsenal eventually secured their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals after beating Mansfield 2-1, keeping alive their hopes of winning four trophies this season.

Manager Mikel Arteta made nine changes to the team that defeated Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League earlier in the week.

Despite the changes, Arsenal took the lead just before half-time through Noni Madueke after a clever assist from Gabriel Martinelli.

Mansfield refused to give up and equalised soon after the break when substitute Will Evans punished a loose pass in Arsenal’s defence.

But Arsenal quickly responded. Eze produced a powerful finish from the edge of the box in the 66th minute to restore the lead, and the London club held on despite late pressure from the League One side.

The match also marked a special moment for Arsenal youngster Max Dowman, who became the club’s youngest FA Cup player at 16 years and 66 days. Fellow teenager Marli Salmon also started the match.

The victory means Arsenal continue their push for silverware this season.

They currently lead the Premier League by seven points and still have important matches ahead, including a Champions League last-16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen and the League Cup final against Manchester City later this month.