During the closing credits of the show's season finale, "Saturday Night Live" cast member Ego Nwodim wore a Crystal Palace shirt with the name of her cousin, Palace player Eberechi Eze, on the back after he led the team to FA Cup glory.

Eberechi Eze’s FA Cup final screamer didn’t just clinch Crystal Palace’s first ever trophy; it mocked every academy that rejected him. Born in gritty Greenwich to Nigerian parents, he battled a tough childhood. His 1-0 triumph over Manchester City screamed determination and resilience.

England team-mates Ivan Toney and Trevoh Chalobah – who was recalled from his season-long loan spell at Selhurst Park by Chelsea in January – both responded to commend Eze’s display at Wembley. Toney simply said; “smoothie” to Eze, while Chalobah added: “Thou shall not pass”.

Crystal Palace stunned Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final on Saturday to win the first major trophy of their 164-year-old history thanks to a goal from local boy Eberechi Eze.

Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze has emerged as a top target for Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the summer transfer window.

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze shone at Wembley in the FA Cup final on Saturday amid transfer links with Manchester United and Arsenal among others

Crystal Palace won their first major trophy by stunning Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley. We break it

It would have been easy for Eberechi Eze to give up on his dream of becoming a professional footballer. After all, the youngster from a council estate in Greenwich, south-east London, had experienced nothing but pain, frustration and crushing rejection.