Forest 4-3 Southampton: Onuachu, Aribo edge closer towards relegation in debut season

Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo edge closer to the growing list of Nigerian players who got relegated in their debut season in the Premier League following Southampton’s loss at the City Ground to their host, Nothingham Forest.

It was the 23rd loss of the season for the Saints who, complete with their Nigerian imports, Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu, are only holding on to the mathematical chance of staying up.

Aribo was not dressed for the game at Taiwo Awoniyi’s City Ground for the ninth time this season and the former Glasgow Rangers player has featured just thrice in the competition this year.

Onuachu however returned to the matchday squad after missing the last two but subbed on for the seventh time in 10 matches. The 28 year old however failed to rescue the sinking Saints who will need the miracle of all miracles to survive the drop.

If they both go down, they will join the growing list of Super Eagles stars who were relegated in their first season in the Premier League.

Last season, Emmanuel Dennis, despite scoring 10 times in 33 games led William Troost-Ekong, Peter Etebo and Samuel Kalu out of the Premier League albeit he returned to the English topflight league with promoted Nothingham Forest.

Seyi Ajayi dropped from the Premier League with West Brom in the 2020/21 season.