Veteran Nigerian forward Anthony Nwakaeme provided a crucial assist to help Trabzonspor defeat Göztepe 2–0 and secure their place in the final of the Turkish Cup. The 36 year old set up Oleksandr Zubkov’s goal in the 89th minute, sealing the win after Ozan Tufan had broken the deadlock with 12 minutes remaining.
Nwakaeme, who started the match, was substituted in stoppage time after playing a key role in the victory. This assist was his third of the season, to go along with one goal in 16 Turkish Super Lig appearances.
Trabzonspor will now face Galatasaray who boast Nigerian star Victor Osimhen in the final scheduled for May. Osimhen played a starring role in Galatasaray’s 5–1 demolition of Konyaspor in the other semi-final, scoring once and assisting another.
Historically, Galatasaray lead with 18 Turkish Cup titles, while Trabzonspor have won it nine times. Trabzonspor last lifted the trophy in 2020 but fell to Beşiktaş in last season’s final.
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Editorial
Anthony Nwakaeme’s story is one of longevity, loyalty, and late-career class. At 36, many players are winding down but here he is, playing a decisive role in Trabzonspor’s cup run and preparing for yet another high-stakes final. His assist wasn’t just a statistical contribution it was a symbol of enduring quality.
In Nigerian football discourse, we often rush to celebrate youth and emerging stars, sometimes forgetting the value of veterans like Nwakaeme. He may not be grabbing headlines every week, but when the pressure mounts, he shows up. That’s the kind of presence every dressing room needs, especially during knockout football.
This upcoming Turkish Cup final isn’t just about silverware; it’s a showcase of Nigerian talent past and present. Nwakaeme’s calm playmaking versus Osimhen’s electric finishing it’s a script Nigerian fans would love to follow. The final promises to be more than a domestic clash it’s a quiet celebration of Naija influence in European football.
Let’s give Nwakaeme his flowers now. He’s earned them, and he’s still writing his legacy.
Did You Know?
- Anthony Nwakaeme played over 140 matches for Trabzonspor between 2018 and 2022 before returning to the club after a brief spell in Saudi Arabia.
- Galatasaray and Trabzonspor last met in a Turkish Cup final in 1996, a match Galatasaray won 1–0.
- Nwakaeme has never played for the Super Eagles in a competitive match, despite consistent top-level club form.
- The Turkish Cup winner secures automatic qualification for the UEFA Europa League.
- Oleksandr Zubkov, who scored Trabzonspor’s second goal, is a Ukrainian international with experience in the UEFA Champions League.
