A dark day for Super Eagles duo Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo as they got relegated from the Premier League with Southampton on Saturday after their 2-0 loss to Fulham at Craven Cottage.

It is the third time in the club’s history that they would be relegated from the top flight –  they first got relegated in the 1973/74 season then the 2004/05 campaign, however, they have lost more league games this season (24) than in any previous campaign in their history.

Goals from Carlos Vinicius in the 48th minute and a smart header from substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic in the 72nd minute was enough to condemn the Saints to their 24th loss of the season at St Marys.

The Saints who have had a troubled campaign had brought on Nigeria international Onuachu, the player with the most impressive scoring form in the Belgian Jupiler League in January to help salvage their season but the Nigerian ended up failing to find the back of the net in all the games he featured in.

Saints manager Ruben Selles said it is a sad day for the players, the fans, the club and the city also stating that the club has the quality to bounce back in their first try in the championship.

“It’s a very tough day for me, for everyone in the dressing room, for the city, the fans,” Selles told the Premier League after the loss which confirmed their relegation status. 

“We have been fighting from the very beginning. I just want to say thank you to everyone who supported me from the very first day, especially the fans who have supported us their entire life. This club has the quality to bounce back immediately, with or without me. What we feel now is very disappointing.”

As it stands, the Nigerian duo will play in the Championship for the Saints as they hope to return to the topflight next season.