Paul Onuachu returned to the scoresheet in emphatic fashion on Sunday. The Nigerian striker scored twice as Trabzonspor defeated Gençlerbirliği 5-0 in the Turkish Süper Lig. However, his early exit has created a fitness concern ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Onuachu had endured a difficult start before the match. He entered the game without a goal in his previous eight league appearances. The 32-year-old also failed to score in Trabzonspor’s first three matches this season.
The Super Eagles forward needed only five minutes to change that record.
Onuachu rose to head home Aral Şimşir’s cross. Mohamed Salah converted a penalty to make it 2-0. He then struck again in the 22nd minute. His second goal came after an assist from Wagner Pina.
Ernest Muçi added another goal after the break. Franculino Dju then completed the scoring in the 78th minute. Trabzonspor finished the match with a convincing 5-0 victory.
Onuachu’s evening ended before half-time. He left the pitch in the 44th minute after suffering an injury. Franculino Dju replaced him.
Trabzonspor-linked reports say his condition will become clearer after further medical examinations. No confirmed diagnosis has yet been established.
The timing adds another concern for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle. Nigeria will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign this month.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Madagascar in their opening qualifier. They will then travel to face Guinea-Bissau.
Onuachu’s situation is especially relevant because Victor Osimhen also suffered a groin injury recently. Osimhen scored before leaving Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over Istanbul Başakşehir.
Before Sunday’s performance, Onuachu’s recent form had raised questions. He scored 22 league goals last season. That effort earned him the Turkish top-flight Golden Boot.
His two-goal display against Gençlerbirliği offered a timely response.
However, Trabzonspor and Nigeria will now wait for further medical updates. His fitness could become an important storyline as the Super Eagles prepare for their September qualifiers.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
