Paul Onuachu and Chibuike Nwaiwu were at the heart of Trabzonspor’s attacking display on Saturday night, but Fenerbahçe edged a thrilling 3–2 victory in their Turkish Super Lig Round 22 clash at Papara Park.
Both Nigerian stars registered a goal and an assist, yet their standout contributions were not enough to prevent defeat in a fiercely contested encounter.
Paul Onuachu and Chibuike Nwaiwu inspire early dominance
Trabzonspor started brightly, with Nwaiwu playing a decisive role in the opening goal. Just six minutes in, the defender turned provider, slipping a clever pass into Ernest Muçi inside the box.
Muçi reacted quickly, lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to give the hosts an early lead.
However, Fenerbahçe responded with intent. Anderson Talisca drew the visitors level nine minutes later, calmly finishing into the bottom corner after a sharp through ball split the defence.
The momentum shifted again after the half-hour mark. Kerem Aktürkoğlu found space and fired a powerful strike into the bottom right corner to put Fenerbahçe 2–1 ahead.
Despite the setback, Onuachu ensured Trabzonspor went into the break on level terms.
Two minutes before half-time, Mathias Løvik delivered a precise cross into the area. Onuachu rose above his marker and headed home from close range, making it 2–2 with a clinical finish.
The goal marked his 16th in the league this season and took his total goal contributions to 18.
Paul Onuachu’s clinical touch keeps Trabzonspor alive
The second half began in dramatic fashion. Just two minutes after the restart, Marco Asensio restored Fenerbahçe’s advantage.
He found space inside the area and calmly guided his effort into the bottom corner following a pass from Aktürkoğlu.
Trabzonspor pushed forward in search of another equaliser, with Onuachu continuing to trouble the defence and Chibuike Nwaiwu driving forward whenever possible.
Nwaiwu’s assist earlier in the match was his first goal contribution in seven appearances across all competitions.
Despite their attacking intent, the home side struggled to break down a disciplined Fenerbahçe defence in the closing stages. The visitors managed the game well and held on to secure all three points.