FA Cup: Maja marks debut in style, Olise soars again, and Iwobi redeems himself

The three players were outstanding, as they helped their sides ease into the round of 16 of  the oldest cup competition in the world 

Super Eagles star Josh Maja was in top shape on his debut for Stoke City after he scored the opener in Stoke City’s 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic.

After struggling to make an Impact at French Ligue 1 side Bordeaux, the former Fulham man sealed a six-month loan deal to the Potters on the deadline day of the January transfer window.

The move has indeed yielded fruits for the 23-year-old, as in his first game for the Championship side, Maja capitalised on a mistake from the Wigan defence to slot the ball in from close range, giving Stoke City the lead after 15 minutes.

The Potters put up a solid display, and a second-half goal from Jacob Brown all but sealed a place for Stoke City in the round of 16 of England’s oldest competition.

Elsewhere at Selhurst Park, Nigeria-eligible Michael Olise did the business for Crystal Palace, as they cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory against Hartlepool.

The 20-year-old pounced on a pass from Conor Gallagher to slot in past Hartlepool shot-stopper Ben Killip. Olise’s 22nd-minute finish takes him to three goals in his last five games for the Eagles.

The former Reading midfielder plays for the French youth teams, but he is eligible to play for Nigeria because of his parents.

At Goodison Park, Super Eagles midfielder returned to action for Everton after a horrific AFCON. But he put all that behind him, as in his first game under new boss Frank Lampard, the Nigerian midfielder proved his quality.

Iwobi came on as an 88th-minute substitute to assist Andros Townsend’s goal, which secured a 4-1 victory for the Toffees against Brentford.