Defender Deji Oshilaja is hungry for FA Cup triumph as Mansfield Town prepare for an exciting new adventure in the prestigious tournament. “We are here to win; our goal is to go as far as possible and maybe even face a big club away,” Oshilaja said confidently.
The talented player has fond memories of his FA Cup experience with AFC Wimbledon, where he was part of the historic team that shocked Premier League giants West Ham with a resounding 4-2 victory in January 2019, before suffering a fifth round elimination against Millwall.
Read more:
Chalobah’s Chelsea future on hold as injury crisis hits
Looking back on his past, he shared: “The FA Cup holds a special place in my heart, and I have created unforgettable memories playing in this competition. The manager and the whole team share the same enthusiasm.”
Oshilaja hopes to add to his FA Cup tally: “I’ve scored some memorable goals, and I hope to continue that if I get the opportunity to play. That night against West Ham was surreal; no one “I expected us to achieve such a victory despite an injury, the coach insisted that I take the field.”
“Competing against some of the best players in the game, like those in the West Ham team, was exhilarating. Scoring early goals helped us withstand the challenges they threw at us. It’s that kind of experience that what you want as a footballer, so to come away as winners was fantastic.”
-
Read more:
The FA Confirms Jhon Duran’s Red Card: A Decision Marked by Controversy
Looking ahead to their next match against Wigan, Oshilaja expressed his optimism: “Saturday represents a great opportunity for us to progress to the next round. Although we must remain aware of Wigan’s strengths, we are in good form and we feel confident for this match.”
Regarding their rivals, he added: “We know Wigan will be a tough test; they are a formidable team. The unusual 6pm kick-off poses its own challenges, but we will adapt accordingly. Their season has had some challenges ups and downs, and in our previous meeting they maintained long periods of possession with their technical and young team. They are energetic, but we have to implement our game plan, especially since we are at home.
Oshilaja is aware of the expectations following their previous meeting: “Given that we won on their pitch, they will definitely look for revenge. We also have players who can hurt them on the counter-attack. Every home game this season has seen our supporters play a crucial role; their support gives us the extra boost we need.”
The Stags have had a successful festive period, securing four wins from five matches, with Oshilaja commenting: “Right now the feeling is incredible. Every footballer will tell you that nothing compares to winning. The management has been exceptional, ensuring “That we were well taken care of. We had less training before our matches, and that certainly paid off with the results we got.”
Related News :