Southampton have parted ways with their Belgian manager Will Still after a torrid start to life in the Championship, leaving Nigerian trio Joe Aribo, Samuel Edozie, and teenage debutant Nicholas Oyekunle awaiting new leadership at St Mary’s.
The club confirmed Still’s dismissal on November 2, 2025, after a 2-0 home defeat to Preston North End — a result that extended their five-game winless streak and left the Saints languishing in 21st place with just 12 points from 13 league matches. The result proved the final straw for both fans and management, who had grown increasingly frustrated with the side’s lack of progress following last season’s Premier League relegation.
The End of Will Still’s Short Era
Still’s five-month reign was meant to herald a new chapter for Southampton. The 33-year-old arrived in May 2025 from RC Lens, having impressed in Ligue 1 with his tactical acumen and modern coaching methods. But the English Championship proved unforgiving: just two wins from 13 league games, along with defensive frailties and low confidence, saw the club spiral dangerously close to the relegation zone.
In total, Still won only four of 16 matches across all competitions, including early EFL Cup exits and three consecutive league defeats before his dismissal. He departs alongside assistants Rubén Martinez, Clément Lemaitre, and Carl Martin, as Southampton seek a reset.
Tonda Eckert Steps In Temporarily
Under-21 head coach Tonda Eckert has been appointed interim manager as the board begins the search for Still’s permanent successor. Southampton’s technical director, Johannes Spors, acknowledged Still’s effort but emphasized the need for immediate change, saying: “Will is a great person who gave everything to improve performances. Ultimately that process has taken longer than we would have liked. Making a change now gives us the best chance of turning things around this season.”
Eckert’s appointment is seen as a short-term stabilizing measure — a chance to calm a dressing room low on belief while ensuring the club avoids being dragged deeper into the relegation battle.
Nigerian Players in Focus
For Nigerian fans, the managerial shake-up has direct implications. Midfielder Joe Aribo, winger Samuel Edozie, and young striker Nicholas Oyekunle will now work under Eckert until a new boss arrives.
Aribo, once a key figure at St Mary’s, has endured a frustrating campaign with limited minutes. The Super Eagles midfielder who made 28 appearances last season; has featured for just four minutes this term, ironically coming on during Still’s final game in charge.
Edozie, meanwhile, has found opportunities hard to come by despite a promising loan spell at RSC Anderlecht last season, where he tallied four goals and six assists in 32 appearances. The winger’s pace and flair have yet to translate into consistent form in the Championship, leaving fans eager to see whether a managerial change could reignite his progress.
The silver lining of Still’s final match came through Nicholas Oyekunle, a talented Nigerian-eligible youth forward who made his senior debut in the closing stages against Preston. Though brief, his introduction signaled Southampton’s faith in youth and offered a glimpse of hope amid a disappointing afternoon.
A Club in Search of Stability
Southampton’s fall from the Premier League has been turbulent. In the past 18 months. The club has gone through three permanent managers. Russell Martin, Ivan Juric, and now Will Still; each unable to halt the slide.
Fan frustration has grown louder, especially after a poor home performance and public confrontations between players and supporters following the Preston defeat. Defender Nathan Wood’s post-match apology for exchanging words with fans summed up the tension around the south coast club.
The coming weeks will be crucial as Eckert attempts to steady the ship. For players like Aribo and Edozie, the managerial change may present a clean slate. And for Oyekunle, this transitional period could serve as the perfect platform to earn more first-team exposure.
As HOT SPORTS SCOOPS understands, the club’s board aims to appoint a new manager before the end of November. Whoever steps into the dugout will inherit not only a struggling team but also a handful of talented Nigerian players eager to prove themselves on one of English football’s most unpredictable stages.
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