As the 2024/25 English Premier League season nears its conclusion, several Nigerian footballers—both current and former Super Eagles stars—have experienced multiple relegations over the course of their careers. Below is a breakdown of these players and their respective relegation histories:

Wilfred Ndidi

Ndidi joined Leicester City in 2017 from Belgian club Genk and quickly became a key part of the team’s midfield. Despite his consistent performances, he was part of the Leicester squad that was relegated from the Premier League in the 2022/2023 season. Unfortunately, after earning promotion back to the top flight, Leicester were relegated again in the current 2024/25 campaign.

Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo

Both players currently with Southampton, Onuachu and Aribo suffered relegation from the Premier League this season following a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Onuachu joined midway through the 2022/23 season and has now experienced relegation twice with the Saints.
Aribo, who joined from Rangers in 2022, was part of the team that initially dropped to the Championship and now faces another demotion.

Nwankwo Kanu

One of Nigeria’s most decorated footballers, Kanu faced relegation twice during his club career in England, with West Bromwich Albion in the 2005/06 season. With Portsmouth in the 2009/10 season.
Despite these setbacks, Kanu enjoyed a successful career, winning the Premier League, UEFA Cup, and FA Cup.

Obafemi Martins

Martins, famously known as “Obagoal,” also had a couple of relegation spells:

First with Newcastle United in 2008/09.
Later with Birmingham City in the 2010/11 season.
He famously scored the winning goal for Birmingham in their 2011 League Cup final victory over Arsenal before moving back to Russia.

Victor Moses

Moses recently faced relegation with Luton Town, who dropped out of the Sky Bet Championship after a 5-3 defeat to West Brom.
He had joined Luton in September on a free transfer after leaving Spartak Moscow. Unlike others, Moses’ relegation came later in his career, after earlier success with Chelsea and the Super Eagles.

Femi Fabunmi

Lagos-based journalist Femi Fabunmi shared his perspective on the issue of Nigerian players suffering multiple relegations and their continued involvement with the national team.

He noted that in countries like England, players outside the top division are rarely, if ever, considered for the national team.
In contrast, Nigeria’s selection policies are far more relaxed, with players often being picked regardless of the level they play at, so long as they are fit and maintain good relationships with those in charge.

On whether these players should seek moves back to top-tier clubs, Fabunmi said:

“Why should they leave? They can still get called up to the Super Eagles. Unless they choose to leave based on personal values or goals, there’s no pressing reason.”

While players like Ndidi, Onuachu, and Aribo face the disappointment of repeated relegation, the structure of Nigerian football and its national team selection approach means that these setbacks don’t necessarily impact their international careers. However, for players aiming to stay competitive and visible on a global stage, returning to top-flight football could still be beneficial.