Are you watching Finidi George? Saint Aribo's message to Super Eagles coach after helping Southampton return to PL

Tears flowed freely at Wembley as Joe Aribo's Southampton shattered Leeds United's dreams of an immediate Premier League return, courtesy of Adam Armstrong's solitary strike in a message to Super Eagles boss Finidi George. 

The 1-0 victory means the Super Eagles midfielder will be reunited with his international teammates, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, in the English top-flight next season.

While Leicester City and Ipswich Town had already secured automatic promotion, the third and final spot came down to a tense playoff final between Southampton and Leeds. 

Aribo's side prevailed, with Armstrong's 24th-minute clinical finish proving the difference after latching onto Will Smallbone's sublime through ball.

Daniel Farke's Leeds United must now regroup for another assault on the Championship after falling agonizingly short at the final hurdle. 

The Elland Road faithful will have to put their Premier League ambitions on hold for at least another year after coming ever so close.

For Aribo, however, it's a joyous return to the big time after Southampton's relegation last term.

The Nigerian international will now rub shoulders with Ndidi and Iheanacho once more, as the trio aim to inspire their respective clubs to new heights in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

The 27-year-old, who was ignored by new Super Eagles manager, Finidi George, in his first squad, featured from start to finish, completing 84% of his passes with one chance created and one key pass. He also completed the most dribbles in the game.

Aribo looked composed and assured for the Saints and would have sent a message to the new Nigeria coach with his overall display against the Whites.

As the Southampton contingent celebrated wildly on the hallowed Wembley turf, Leeds were left heartbroken, their Premier League dreams cruelly extinguished. 

But the fire will burn bright for another tilt at promotion, while Aribo and his teammates can already start dreaming of the challenges that await in England's top division.