Super Eagles stars Paul Onuachu and Anthony Nwakaeme played pivotal roles as Trabzonspor recorded a convincing 3–0 win over Fethiyespor in Group A of the Turkish Cup on Tuesday night.
After a goalless first half at Papara Park, Trabzonspor broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Ernest Muçi finished off a move created by Nwakaeme. Eight minutes later, Nwakaeme doubled the lead with a powerful left-footed strike into the roof of the net his first goal of the season following a long injury lay-off.
Just two minutes after that, Onuachu introduced at the start of the second half added the third with a calm finish from close range, putting the result beyond doubt and sealing a dominant victory for the Turkish Süper Lig side. The win moves Trabzonspor to the top of Group A on six points after three matches, leapfrogging rivals in the section and strengthening their position in the competition.
Editorial
In a competition built on rhythm and momentum, Trabzonspor’s 3–0 victory over Fethiyespor was more than a scoreline, it was a declaration. Two of Nigeria’s most accomplished forwards, Paul Onuachu and Anthony Nwakaeme, delivered performances that underscored not just their individual qualities, but their enduring value to a club chasing silverware on multiple fronts.
For a long hour, Trabzonspor’s dominance was territorial rather than decisive. Fethiyespor a second-division side by standing repelled advances and kept the scoreboard untouched. Yet the game’s turning point came when precision overcame patience. Nwakaeme’s creative vision unlocked the door, and from there, momentum became uncontrollable.
Nwakaeme’s second goal, a left-footed strike into the roof of the net, was emblematic of a seasoned professional rediscovering rhythm after injury. It was tactical discipline meeting instinctive talent a combination that separates contenders from pretenders in knockout football.
Onuachu’s finish punctuated the performance, his presence in the second half reminding supporters why his physicality and movement remain formidable. In a competition where margins are fine and margins matter, such contributions often become the difference between a quiet campaign and a memorable one.
But beyond individual shines, this win speaks to Trabzonspor’s wider intent. To top Group A is not a trivial achievement it is a psychological edge, a statement of direction as the club navigates the rigours of domestic and cup football. With their Nigerian contingent firing, Trabzonspor’s cup journey has gained both purpose and momentum.
Did You Know?
- Anthony Nwakaeme’s goal against Fethiyespor was his first of the season after returning from a significant injury lay-off that kept him out in early 2025/26.
- Paul Onuachu’s goal in this match took his tally to 14 in 19 appearances across all competitions for Trabzonspor this season.
- The Turkish Cup group stage sees Süper Lig clubs and lower division sides compete together, creating opportunities for high-profile clashes early in the tournament.
- Ernest Muçi’s opening goal was also his latest contribution, adding to his productive campaign with numerous goals in both league and cup action.
- The victory put Trabzonspor above Galatasaray in Group A standings, although Galatasaray could reclaim first place with their next match.
