Wilfred Ndidi is set for his 200th Premier League game when Leicester City pay a visit to Southampton at the Saint Mary’s Stadium on Saturday.
Three Nigerian players will likely be on parade when the Premier League returns after the recent international break with Southampton playing host to Leicester.
The Super Eagles duo of Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu will aim to help Southampton secure their first Premier League win of the season over Leicester and as such, they will certainly put friendship aside when they go head-to-head against Ndidi.
The Saints put in a good shift against Arsenal two weekends ago but ultimately fell to a 3-1 defeat whereas, the Foxes finally found their bite in a 1-0 triumph over Bournemouth.
On that occasion a fortnight ago, Ndidi played a crucial role as Leicester secured their first win of the English Premier League season against Bournemouth at the King Power Stadium.
Ndidi received a yellow card in the 50th minute but remained composed for the remainder of the match with Leicester manager, Steve Cooper refusing to take the midfielder off.
With the Foxes having now bagged their first win of the 2024-25 Premier League season, Ndidi has so far been pivotal for Leicester after contributing a total of four assists.
The 27-year-old who joined from KAA Gent in the winter transfer window of 2017 has played a total of 199 EPL matches for Leicester from which he has seven goals and 13 assists.
Onuachu, meanwhile, made his first Premier League appearance in 17 months when Southampton suffered a 3-1 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium two weeks ago.
Southampton coach, Russel Martin did not include Onuachu in the starting line-up but introduced the lanky Nigerian striker in the 74th minute after replacing Mateus Fernandes.
Before the Saints paid a visit to the Gunners, the Super Eagles striker had not played in the Premier League since May 13, 2023 when he saw action for 62 minutes against Fulham.
Southampton lost a striker during their defeat at Arsenal when Ross Stewart was forced off through injury but appear to have gained another in Onuachu whom coach Martin praised.
After a summer of real uncertainty, Onuachu has earned his way back into Martin’s plans this season with his performances in training and can help out with his ‘unique strengths’.
Although, he has not yet scored for the Saints in his 444 minutes played, goals have followed Onuachu wherever he has gone. Compatriot, Aribo started against Arsenal and went on to see full action.
