Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi survived Premier League relegation with Everton after his side’s gritty 1-0 win over Bournemouth but international teammates Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi got relegated on the final day of the 2022/23 Premier League season on Sunday.
It was a battle for survival going into the final match day for both teams as Leicester started the weekend in the bottom three and the Toffees were just hovering above the drop zone. Iwobi’s Everton needed just a win to escape, while the Foxes need them to drop points while they secure the win at home.
However, Leicester City’s 2-1 home victory against West Ham United proved to be insufficient, as Everton’s win over Bournemouth condemned the 2015/16 Premier League champions to relegation to the Championship.
After a nervy opening 20 minutes in Leicester, Iheanacho, who featured from the start, played a quick one-two with Harvey Barnes before the latter slotted past Łukasz Fabiański to give the home side a precious HT lead. While Leicester were leading, Everton were still goalless at the break.
However, the mood at the King Power Stadium quickly changed just before the hour mark when Abdoulaye Doucoure handed Everton the lead which plunged them back into danger. Leicester soon doubled their advantage through Wout Faes before Pablo Fornals managed to get one back for the Hammers.
The Foxes held firm to claim all three points, but Everton’s narrow victory confirmed their relegation, bringing an end to a memorable nine-year stay in the top-flight of English football.
While Iwobi enjoyed another Premier League survival with Everton, Iheanacho and Ndidi will be plying their trade in the championship next season with the former Premier League champions.
