Super Eagles Star Paul Onuachu Delivers Powerful Message Post-AFCON 2025 Campaign
Nigerian international striker Paul Onuachu has issued a resounding statement just one week after helping the Super Eagles secure a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament held in Morocco. The 31-year-old forward, who played a crucial role in Nigeria's third-place finish, continues to demonstrate his scoring prowess upon returning to club duties with Turkish side Trabzonspor.
Onuachu's Impact at AFCON 2025 and International Contributions
During Nigeria's campaign at the continental championship, Onuachu featured prominently in the Super Eagles' journey to the podium. The former Southampton striker made five appearances throughout the tournament, finding the net during the group stage encounter against Uganda. This goal brought his international tally to four strikes for Nigeria, showcasing his growing importance to the national team setup.
The bronze medal match against Egypt proved particularly memorable, with Nigeria emerging victorious 4-2 on penalties at Casablanca's Mohammed V Stadium on January 17. Onuachu nearly opened the scoring in the 38th minute when he deflected Akor Adams' header, though the effort was ultimately disallowed due to a foul on the defender.
Immediate Return to Club Form with Trabzonspor
Following the continental tournament, Onuachu has seamlessly transitioned back to club football with remarkable efficiency. In Trabzonspor's recent Turkish Super Lig fixture against Kasimpasa, the Nigerian striker came off the bench at halftime and made an immediate impact, scoring just five minutes after his introduction.
His clinical finish, assisted by teammate Christ Inao Oulai, helped secure a 2-1 victory for Trabzonspor and marked his 12th league goal of the season. This places Onuachu just one strike behind Istanbul Basaksehir's Eldor Shomurodov in the scoring charts, positioning him as a serious contender for the league's golden boot award.
Technical Decisions and Fan Reactions
Trabzonspor coach Fatih Tekke explained his decision to start Onuachu on the bench as a precautionary measure, citing concerns about the player's fitness following extensive travel from international duty. Tekke emphasized that the choice was made with the player's long-term welfare in mind, noting that Trabzonspor maintains strong options across their squad.
Nigerian football enthusiasts have expressed mixed reactions to Onuachu's recent performances:
- @Louisfire07 questioned: "And he was not given more chance at the AFCON 2025 to play."
- @2unde247 praised: "Turkish league top scorer before the AFCON is back to reclaim his position at the top of the goal scorers chart. Brilliant goal from Paul Onuachu and nice backflip from a giant."
- @AlexEZIREALI43 appealed: "And he wasn't given enough time to play during the tournament. Please give him sufficient playing time in the next Afcon or international matches."
Broader Context and Future Prospects
The striker's current form raises important questions about his utilization in future international competitions. Despite his proven goal-scoring ability, Onuachu received limited minutes during Nigeria's AFCON campaign, prompting discussions among supporters and analysts about optimal player deployment strategies.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has previously acknowledged Onuachu's contributions while explaining difficult selection decisions, noting that not every talented player can be included in every squad due to tactical considerations and team balance requirements.
As Onuachu continues to excel for Trabzonspor, his performances strengthen his case for increased involvement with the national team. His ability to maintain scoring form immediately after international tournament participation demonstrates both physical resilience and professional dedication that could prove valuable for Nigeria's future campaigns.
