Southampton’s 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur confirmed relegation for Super Eagles stars, Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo.
The Saints’ fate adds them to a list of Super Eagles players who have faced the bitter taste of Premier League relegation more than once.
Both Onuachu and Aribo were part of Southampton’s squad that dropped into the Championship two seasons ago. While Onuachu only joined midway through their 2022/23 campaign, Aribo had arrived earlier from Rangers with high expectations.
Here’s a closer look at the Nigerian players who’ve endured this tough experience on multiple occasions.
Nwankwo Kanu
- 2005/2006: Relegated with West Bromwich Albion
- 2009/2010: Relegated with Portsmouth
Kanu’s glittering résumé includes a Premier League title, UEFA Cup, FA Cup wins, Olympic gold, and appearances at multiple World Cups. But even the greats have low points.
However, in 2005/06, he was part of the West Bromwich Albion side that finished 19th, sealing relegation.
His second relegation came with Portsmouth in 2009/10. Though he had helped them to FA Cup glory in 2008, the club collapsed financially, entered administration, and were docked nine points. They finished bottom, having only won seven matches across the season.
Ade Akinbiyi
- 1994/1995: Relegated with Norwich City
- 2001/2002: Relegated with Leicester City
- 2006/2007: Relegated with Sheffield United
Akinbiyi’s Premier League spell was filled with struggle and scrutiny. The striker endured relegation on three separate occasions.
Brought in to replace Emile Heskey at Leicester, he was never able to replicate his Championship form, becoming the subject of media criticism and fan frustration.
Years later, former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan called Akinbiyi his worst signing during a brief stint at Selhurst Park.
Obafemi Martins
- 2008/2009: Relegated with Newcastle United
- 2010/2011: Relegated with Birmingham City
Few Nigerian strikers have thrilled fans quite like Martins. He scored key goals during his time at Newcastle United but couldn’t prevent their relegation in 2008/09. Injuries didn’t help, a torn hamstring followed by hernia surgery ruled him out for crucial stretches.
Martins later joined Birmingham City on loan in 2011 following the birth of his child to be nearer to his family. The former Nigeria forward would go on to etch his name into club folklore with the winner in the League Cup final against Arsenal.
Still, that fairytale ended in frustration, the Blues were relegated months later, sending Martins back to Russia with Rubin Kazan.
Super Eagles stars who suffered multiple Premier League relegations
- Paul Onuachu
- Joe Aribo
- Obafemi Martins
- Ade Akinbiyi
- Nwankwo Kanu
