Super Eagles duo, Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo have suffered relegation from the English Premier League with Southampton following their 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
The loss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, part of matchday 31 fixtures, sealed the Saints’ fate as they became the earliest club to be relegated in Premier League history, surpassing previous records set by Derby County and Huddersfield Town, who dropped on matchday 32.
Going into the clash, Southampton sat bottom with just 10 points and needed to avoid defeat to keep their slim survival hopes alive. However, Brennan Johnson struck twice for Spurs, and Mathys Tel added a late penalty to nullify Kamaldeen Sulemana’s 89th-minute strike for the visitors.
Joe Aribo, who was handed a starting role, struggled to impose himself in midfield and was substituted for William Smallbone in the 63rd minute.
Paul Onuachu, recovering from a knock, was introduced 10 minutes later and provided a more physical presence up front, but his impact was not enough to change the outcome.
This marks the second consecutive relegation for both Nigerian players with Southampton, having also gone down in the 2022/23 season before returning via the Championship play-offs.
What Next for the Nigerian Duo?
Aribo, who has previous experience in the Championship and is under contract until 2026, may opt to remain at the club next season as they look to bounce back.
However, his lack of consistent form could also see Southampton entertain offers if they look to trim their squad.
Onuachu, meanwhile, is more likely to move on. The towering striker has attracted interest from Turkish clubs, particularly Trabzonspor, where he had a successful loan spell.
At 30, a move to another top-flight league may be his best bet, although a return to the Premier League appears unlikely at this stage.
With just seven league games left, Southampton will now turn their focus to rebuilding for life back in the EFL Championship—while Onuachu and Aribo weigh up their futures away from England’s top flight.
