Okonkwo wins battle of Super Eagles hopeful as Adarabioyo returns in big Chelsea victory

Two FA Cup fourth-round matches on Friday evening brought together several players hoping to one day wear Nigeria’s Super Eagles shirt, and there was plenty of action to enjoy, Afrik-Foot reports.

At the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham welcomed Ipswich Town in a tight contest. In goal for Wrexham was Arthur Okonkwo, while Ipswich were led in attack by Chuba Akpom.

Both players have spoken openly about their wish to represent Nigeria in the future, even though they are also eligible for England. Neither has been called up yet, but this match offered a perfect chance to make a strong statement.

Arthur Okonkwo and Wrexham have qualified for the next rounds of the Emirate FA Cup — the 24 year old kept a clean sheet in Wrexham 1-0 win over Ipswich is the FA Cup 4th round 🧤 pic.twitter.com/FzKWQx1Gpy

— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) February 13, 2026

It was Okonkwo who stole the spotlight. He kept a clean sheet and played calmly throughout as Wrexham secured a narrow 1-0 win.

Josh Windass scored the only goal in the 34th minute, and from there Wrexham defended bravely.

Okonkwo made one big save, caught several dangerous crosses, cleared loose balls from his area and recovered possession many times.

Wrexham knocked out Ipswich Town from the FA Cup and moved on to the last 16 of the tournament.

For the first time since 1997, Wrexham are back in the round of 16 👏 pic.twitter.com/yXzMj5tXTO

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 13, 2026

Akpom worked hard for Ipswich and moved the ball well, completing most of his passes and all of his dribbles. However, he missed a clear chance and failed to hit the target with his two shots.

In the end, Wrexham progressed in the FA Cup, while Ipswich were left disappointed.

Super Eagles eligible Adarabioyo return as Chelsea cruise

In the other match, Hull City suffered a heavy 4-0 home defeat to Chelsea, ending their FA Cup journey in painful fashion.

Hull were without Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Chelsea, however, received a boost with the return of centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo, who had been out for nearly a month.

Adarabioyo, who is yet to commit to Nigeria, came on in the 77th minute and helped Chelsea stay solid at the back as they comfortably protected their clean sheet.

The star of the night was Pedro Neto, who scored the first hat-trick of his career to put the match beyond Hull. Young Brazilian forward Estevão Willian added the fourth goal to complete an emphatic victory.