EPL: SEVEN NIGERIAN PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYERS ARE STRIVING TO AVOID RELEGATION

With the 2022/23 English Premier League season nearing its end, MON DIARIES profiles seven Nigerian players who are fighting for their clubs' survival.

JOE ARIBO, PAUL ONUACHU (SOUTHAMPTON)

The Saints are currently in last place in the Premier League table and will need to produce something exceptional in their final six games to avoid relegation.

Ruben Selles' team came close to a vital win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, but were held to a 3-3 draw.

Joe Aribo did not expect a relegation battle when he went to the South Coast from Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish Premiership last summer.

Paul Onuachu was sent in on a rescue mission in January, but he has so far failed.

WILFRED NDIDI, KELECHI IHEANACHO (LEICESTER CITY)

Given the club's remarkable performance in the Premier League in recent seasons, few would have predicted that Leicester City would be fighting for relegation.

The Foxes are 19th in the table with 25 points from 31 games.

Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho have a chance to help their club strive for survival and keep their top-flight status starting with Saturday's (today's) showdown against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the King Power Stadium.

TAIWO AWONIYI, EMMANUEL DENNIS (NOTTINGHAM FOREST)

Taiwo Awoniyi and Emmanuel Dennis joined Nottingham Forest last summer, but the journey has been difficult.

Dennis will be involved in a relegation battle with his club for the second consecutive season.

Last season, the dynamic forward was a member of the Watford squad that was relegated to the Sky Bet Championship.

Awoniyi just returned to action for the Tricky Trees after missing three months due to a groin ailment.

ALEX IWOBI (EVERTON)

The Toffees narrowly avoided relegation last season and will be up against it again this season.

Alex Iwobi was instrumental in their escape last season and is doing it again this season.

In 31 league games, the winger has one goal and seven assists.

Everton is now 17th in the table with 27 points from 31 games.