Paul Onuachu continued his red-hot form in the Turkish Süper Lig, netting his 18th goal of the season to help Trabzonspor secure a convincing 3-1 home victory over Fatih Karagümrük on February 27, 2026, at Papara Park. The Nigerian striker's early header set the tone, but it was compatriot Chibuike Nwaiwu's quickfire second-half brace that sealed the deal, ensuring Trabzonspor remained firmly in the title race. This result highlights the growing influence of Nigerian talent in Turkish football and underscores Trabzonspor's defensive resilience turning into attacking prowess.
Match Recap
Trabzonspor dominated possession and created the better chances in a game that saw them extend their strong run of form. The hosts took control early but had to weather a brief comeback from the visitors before pulling away after the break.
First Half: Onuachu Opens the Scoring Amid Equalizer Drama
The match burst into life in the 20th minute when Onuachu rose highest to head home a precise cross from Ozan Tufan, giving Trabzonspor a deserved 1-0 lead. However, Fatih Karagümrük responded just eight minutes later, with Daniele Verde slotting in a left-footed finish to level the score at 1-1 heading into halftime. The equalizer came against the run of play, as Trabzonspor held 63.2% possession and registered six shots on target compared to Karagümrük's four throughout the match.
Second Half: Nwaiwu's Brace Seals the Win
Trabzonspor wasted no time after the restart, restoring their lead in the 47th minute through Nwaiwu's close-range header off a corner, with Tufan providing the initial nod-on assist. Just three minutes later, the 22-year-old center-back doubled his tally, meeting Onuachu's headed pass from another set piece to make it 3-1. Fatih Karagümrük pushed forward late, managing 11 total shots, but Trabzonspor's defense held firm with key saves preventing a comeback.
Key Performances and Player Backgrounds
Paul Onuachu, the 31-year-old Nigerian forward who joined Trabzonspor permanently after a successful loan spell from Southampton, once again proved his worth. With 18 goals in 21 league appearances, he leads the Süper Lig scoring charts and has contributed to nearly half of his team's goals this season. Chibuike Nwaiwu, a former Enyimba FC defender making his mark in Europe, scored his first two goals for the club, showcasing his aerial ability in just his ninth appearance. Ozan Tufan also stood out with two assists, underlining Trabzonspor's set-piece threat.
Why This News Matters
This win is crucial for Trabzonspor as they chase European qualification in a competitive Süper Lig season. Onuachu's consistent scoring not only boosts team morale but also highlights the impact of international players in elevating Turkish football's global profile.
Potential Impact and Next Steps
The result moves Trabzonspor to 51 points, keeping them third in the standings—four points behind second-placed Fenerbahçe with a game in hand. This keeps the pressure on leaders Galatasaray and could spark a late title push if they capitalize on upcoming fixtures. Trabzonspor next face Başakşehir in the Türkiye Kupası, while Fatih Karagümrük travel to Fethiye in the same competition. For Onuachu, maintaining this form could see him break personal records and attract further international attention.
Trabzonspor's blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity, powered by stars like Onuachu and emerging talents like Nwaiwu, positions them as serious contenders for silverware this season.