AFCON 2025
Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu started his second stint at Trabzonspor on a brilliant note, bagging the winner against Kocaelispor on matchday one of the Turkish Super League.
Trabzonspor lined up with three Nigerians in the starting eleven: Anthony Nwakaeme, Kazeem Olaigbe, and Paul Onuachu, who led the team in attack.
Despite dominating possession in the first half, Trabzonspor failed to register a shot on target while the visitors threatened to score twice.
The first half ended goalless, with Kocaelispor finishing strong with two shots on target, while the home side struggled to breach their resolute defense.
However, the home side, against the run of play, took the lead four minutes after the restart from a looping ball into the box.
Paul Onuachu was in prime position as he placed a header into the back of the net, which secured maximum points and a clean sheet for Trabzonspor.
The 31-year-old striker scored 17 goals in 25 matches in his first stint at the club while on loan from his former employers, Southampton, during the 2023/2024 season.
Onuachu will hope to replicate the feat this season or improve on it and also contend with his Super Eagles teammate, Victor Osimhen, for the Turkish Super League Golden Boot this season.
Osimhen is the current holder of the award after he led Galatasaray to their 25th league title with 26 goals in 30 matches last season.
