Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu was again decisive for Trabzonspor, scoring in their 2–1 home win over Kasimpasa in Round 19 of the Turkish Süper Lig on Friday night at Papara Park.
Onuachu, returning from AFCON 2025 duty, came off the bench just after the break and needed only five minutes to open the scoring, finishing off a pass from Christ Inao Oulai to give the hosts the lead. The goal marked his 12th of the league season as he continues his prolific run in Turkey.
Kasimpasa fought back and were level through Fousseni Diabaté’s 61st-minute strike, but Trabzonspor regained the upper hand late in the game. Anthony Nwakaeme introduced as a substitute provided the assist for Oleksandr Zubkov’s 84th-minute winner, sealing a valuable three points for the home side.
The victory keeps Trabzonspor competitive near the top of the Süper Lig table as they continue their push this season, buoyed by strong contributions from their Nigerian stars.
EDITORIAL
In the deluge of fixtures that defines mid-season football, there are moments that crystallise the character of both player and club. Paul Onuachu’s impact against Kasimpasa entering from the bench and finding the net within minutes was one such moment immediate, influential, and evocative of a forward attuned to opportunity. For a striker, rhythm is currency, and Onuachu’s return from international duty during AFCON 2025 could have threatened the flow that made him one of the Süper Lig’s most potent attackers. Instead, he reinforced his significance with a goal that underlined both timing and instinct.
Yet football is rarely a solo endeavour. The late winner, crafted through the veteran ingenuity of Anthony Nwakaeme, showcased the depth of quality at Trabzonspor’s disposal. A substitute appearance, an assist that directly influences the outcome these are the quotidian rhythms of a team with ambition. In Zubkov’s driven finish, born of Nwakaeme’s vision, we see the seamless blend of experience and execution that elevates matches from routine to defining.
What stands out about this victory is not simply the goals, but the arc of resilience. Kasimpasa’s equaliser reminded spectators that intensity never relents in Turkey’s top flight it is the response that distinguishes victors from participants. Trabzonspor’s ability to harness their squad rotating without losing purpose speaks to a club culture where every player, be it starter or sub, is equipped for influence.
In a season where consistency is as valuable as flair, the combination of Onuachu’s finish and Nwakaeme’s creativity encapsulates a side intent on not just competing but commanding the narrative of their campaign.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Paul Onuachu’s goal was his 12th in the Turkish Süper Lig this season, continuing his standout scoring form.
- Onuachu scored just five minutes after coming off the bench, making an immediate impact upon his return from AFCON 2025.
- Anthony Nwakaeme’s assist for the winner was his first goal contribution of the season, a timely influence late in the match.
- Kasimpasa’s equaliser was scored by Malian forward Fousseni Diabaté in the 61st minute, keeping the visitors competitive until late.
- Trabzonspor’s win lifted them close to the top of the Süper Lig standings, maintaining their push for a strong finish this season.
