Paul Onuachu is back in training with Trabzonspor and moving freely, a welcome sign for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON qualifying opener.
Want our football coverage to show up first?
Add FootballInNigeria as a preferred source and our stories get a "Preferred" badge in your Google Top Stories, AI Overviews, and AI Mode results.
/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.soccernet.ng%2Fmain%2F2026%2F03%2F20260309_210502.jpg "Onuachu Returns To Training, Boosting Super Eagles Ahead Of AFCON Qualifiers 3")
Concerns over Paul Onuachu’s availability for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are easing, with the striker back in full training at Trabzonspor.
From Injury Scare To Encouraging Signs
Onuachu picked up the injury during Trabzonspor’s 5-0 thrashing of Genclerbirligi, scoring a brace before being withdrawn after 44 minutes with what appeared to be a muscle problem. Initial fears of a lengthy spell out were eased when coach Huseyin Cimsir described the issue as not serious, and the 32 year old has now returned to full training, moving well and showing no visible discomfort.
A Cautious Approach For The Konyaspor Clash
Despite the positive signs, reports suggest Trabzonspor may still rest Onuachu for this weekend’s league fixture against Konyaspor, preferring not to risk him ahead of next week’s bigger test against Galatasaray. New signing Dju Franculino is expected to lead the line in his absence, even though Onuachu has an excellent record against Konyaspor, having scored six goals in four previous meetings.
A Relief For Chelle
The update comes as welcome news for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, who has already lost Victor Osimhen to a thigh injury. Onuachu has become an increasingly consistent presence in the squad since the turn of the year, often deputising as the main striker whenever Osimhen is unavailable, and his recent brace ended a run of ten games without a goal.
With his physical presence, aerial threat and clinical finishing, Onuachu could prove a handful for Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau’s defenders. Nigeria open their qualifying campaign against Madagascar on September 25 before facing Guinea-Bissau four days later.
