Joe Aribo and Kamaldeen Sulemana Inspire Southampton to Premier League Promotion

• Joe Aribo and Kamaldeen Sulemana are back in the Premier League
• The African duo helped Southampton secure a quick return to the PL
• Southampton defeated Leeds United in the final of the play-off final

African duo, Joe Aribo, and, Kamaldeen Sulemana, have secured Premier League promotion with Southampton a season after their demotion to the English Championship.

Both players played their part as the Saints managed a quick return to the topflight, with Aribo featuring in the play-off final against Leeds United.

An Adam Armstrong strike in the 24-minute sealed victory for Southampton at Wembley on Sunday, May 26.

Nigeria midfielder, Aribo, started and lasted the entire duration of the game while Sulemana watched from the bench as an unused substitute.

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The Ghanaian winger has struggled with fitness this season, ruling him out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast early this year.

However, he made 25 appearances delivering three assists for Southampton, per Transfermarkt.

Arobo was more involved in the just-ended campaign, making 37 appearances in the Championship despite spending time with the Super Eagles at the Nations Cup in January and February.

Both players will be expected to play pivotal roles in Southampton's return to the Premier League next season.

Meanwhile, Aribo has been dropped from the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Benin and South Africa in June, as reported by Punch Nigeria.

Finidi George drops Aribo for qualifiers

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Nigeria coach Finidi George dropped Joe Aribo and nine other players for the World Cup qualifiers in June.

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The Super Eagles will face South Africa and Benin in the next batch of matches for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Ten players from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast failed to make the 25-man list despite helping the Super Eagles reach the final of the competition.

Sulemana helps Kudus settle in England

Sports Brief also reported that West Ham star Mohammed Kudus thanked his best friend Kamaldeen Sulemana for playing a role in his seamless transition from Dutch football to the Premier League.

The Ghana international has taken the Premier League by storm following an impressive start to life in England.

Kudus has already netted nine goals for the Hammers, including a brace in last Sunday's 3-0 thrashing of Wolverhampton Wanderers.