Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu made an instant impact for Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig after returning from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Coming off the bench, he scored the opener in a 2-1 win over Kasımpaşa at Papara Park, proving his importance to the side once again.
Onuachu’s Instant Impact After AFCON Heroics
Onuachu was introduced at the start of the second half, replacing Kazeem Olaigbe, and took just five minutes to make his mark.
The Nigerian forward latched onto a pass from Inao Oulai, cleverly beating his marker, executed a clever feint, and calmly slotted the ball home.
Recall that the 31-year-old scored once in the 2025 AFCON tournament during Nigeria’s 3-1 group-stage win over Uganda, helping the Super Eagles secure a bronze medal.
Now back at club level, Onuachu has already scored his 12th goal of the season, bringing his total goal contributions to 13.
His return ended a difficult spell for Trabzonspor, who had drawn once, lost three straight, and won twice in his absence.
However, Onuachu picked up a yellow card during his celebration, shortly before Malian forward Fousseni Diabaté equalised for Kasımpaşa.
Nwakaeme Delivers Late Assist to Seal Victory
The match-winning moment came in the 84th minute when veteran Super Eagles forward Anthony Nwakaeme provided a decisive assist for Oleksandr Zubkov.
Nwakaeme, who entered the game in the 78th minute for Felipe Augusto, demonstrated his playmaking quality just six minutes after coming on.
Kasımpaşa’s frustration boiled over as Kerem Demirbay was shown a red card, reducing the visitors to ten men. Trabzonspor held on to secure all three points in a dramatic finish.