Paul Onuachu ended his early season scoring drought in emphatic fashion on Sunday, scoring twice as Trabzonspor cruised to a 5-0 victory over Genclerbirligi in the Turkish Super Lig.
But the Super Eagles striker’s return to form was overshadowed by an injury that forced him off before half-time, adding another concern for Nigeria ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Onuachu had gone without a goal in his first five appearances for Trabzonspor this season after finishing last campaign as the Super Lig’s joint-top scorer with 22 goals.
He needed only five minutes to put that barren run behind him, rising to head home Aral Simsir’s cross and give Trabzonspor an early lead.
He struck again in the 22nd minute, converting from close range to restore Trabzonspor’s two-goal advantage after Mohamed Salah had doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 14th minute.
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Onuachu’s evening, however, ended prematurely. He was replaced by new signing Franculino Dju in the 44th minute after suffering an injury.
Turkish reports said the forward had sustained an injury to his chin, although further medical assessment will be required to determine the extent of the problem.
Trabzonspor continued without their Nigerian striker and added two more goals after the break, with Ernest Muci scoring in the 59th minute before Franculino completed the 5-0 rout in the 78th.
Chibuike Nwaiwu also started for the hosts and helped Trabzonspor keep a clean sheet before being replaced late in the game.
Fresh concern for the Super Eagles
The timing of Onuachu’s injury will concern Nigeria, particularly after Victor Osimhen was ruled out of the September AFCON qualifiers with a groin injury confirmed by Galatasaray.
Nigeria will host Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29, according to CAF’s confirmed schedule.
Onuachu’s availability will therefore be closely monitored by Eric Chelle as the Super Eagles prepare to begin their Group L campaign without their first-choice striker.
There is, however, some early encouragement from Trabzonspor assistant coach/manager Hüseyin Çimsir, who said after the match that he did not believe Onuachu’s injury was serious.
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