Tella takes iconic Southampton shirt number previously worn by Matt Le Tissier, Alan Shearer

Southampton have announced their squad numbers for the 2023-2024 season, with four Nigeria-eligible players confirmed to be part of the first team squad ahead of their Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Friday night.

Nathan Tella, who is back at the St Mary's Stadium after a season-long loan spell at Burnley, has been assigned number 11.

The winger's previous number 23 kit has been inherited by England youth international of Nigerian descent Sam Edozie, who joined the Saints from Manchester City last summer. 

There's a history behind Southampton's number 11 shirt as it previously belonged to legendary players Matt Le Tissier, Alan Shearer and Andy Townsend. 

Tella took the Championship by storm in 2022-2023, in what was his debut season in the division, scoring 17 goals in 35 appearances to help Burnley seal an immediate return to the topflight. 

Joe Aribo, Paul Onuachu and Edozie have all retained the numbers they were allocated in their maiden season at Southampton. 

It means Aribo will sport number 7, while Onuachu will play with the number 12 amid speculation surrounding their future.  

Aribo, Onuachu and Edozie will be hoping to make their Championship debuts in tomorrow's game against the Owls. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : southamptonfc.com

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