Paul Onuachu quickly showed Trabzonspor fans why the club worked so hard to sign him permanently this summer. He scored the only goal in their 1-0 win against newly-promoted Kocaelispor in the Turkish Super Lig season opener on Monday.
Last season, Onuachu played on loan from Southampton and became a fan favourite after scoring 17 goals. Signing him permanently was a top priority for Trabzonspor. Although Southampton didn’t want to let him go at first, the Turkish club finally completed the deal this summer.
After recovering from an injury, the tall Nigerian striker started the match at Papara Park. He played alongside fellow Nigerians Anthony Nwakaeme and Kazeem Olaigbe. Olaigbe recently joined from Rennes.
Kocaelispor, playing their first top division match in years, showed some fight but struggled against Trabzonspor’s strength and set-piece skills.
The only goal of the match came four minutes into the second half. Mustafa Eskihellac delivered a perfect cross, and Onuachu headed it into the net with precision.
Olaigbe played for 63 minutes before being substituted. Onuachu was taken off in the 77th minute to warm applause from the home fans, and Nwakaeme was replaced in the 84th minute after a hardworking performance in midfield.
The trio of Onuachu’s strength in the air, Nwakaeme’s creativity, and Olaigbe’s energy on the wing looks promising for the rest of the season.
Trabzonspor will play their next match away at Kasimpasa on Monday, 18 August, hoping to continue their strong start.