In a pulsating Turkish Super Lig encounter, Paul Onuachu once again proved his worth as Trabzonspor's talisman, scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory over Gaziantep at the Gaziantep Stadium. The Nigerian forward's first-half strike helped the Black Sea Storm overcome an early deficit, maintaining their push for European qualification while extending Onuachu's remarkable scoring run.
Match Recap
The Round 23 clash kicked off with high intensity, as both sides vied for crucial points in a tightly contested league. Gaziantep struck first in the 22nd minute when Mohamed Bayo capitalized on a well-placed assist from Kacper Gassama to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. However, Trabzonspor responded swiftly, equalizing just two minutes later through Felipe Augusto, who finished off an assist from Enis Muçi.
Onuachu's Decisive Moment
The turning point came in the 27th minute when Onuachu pounced on a rebound from Mustafa Eskihellaç’s blocked shot. The 31-year-old striker calmly slotted a low effort past Gaziantep goalkeeper Zafer Gorgen to put Trabzonspor ahead 2-1. Despite Gaziantep's efforts to level the score in the second half, Trabzonspor's defense, anchored by goalkeeper Andre Onana's six saves, held firm to secure the three points.
Match statistics highlighted a balanced affair, with Gaziantep edging expected goals (xG) at 1.06 to Trabzonspor's 0.68. The hosts registered seven shots compared to Trabzonspor's eight, but the visitors' clinical finishing made the difference. Trabzonspor referee Çağdaş Altay oversaw a disciplined game with minimal disruptions.
Paul Onuachu: From Southampton Loan to Super Lig Sensation
Paul Onuachu, a towering 2.01m striker hailing from Owerri, Nigeria, joined Trabzonspor on loan from Premier League side Southampton in 2023. Known for his aerial prowess and finishing ability, Onuachu previously starred at Belgian club Genk, where he scored 85 goals in 134 appearances. His move to Turkey has revitalized his career, especially after limited opportunities in England.
This season, Onuachu has been unstoppable, leading the Super Lig scoring charts with 17 goals in 20 appearances. His form includes multiple individual accolades, such as Goal of the Week for a header against Fenerbahçe on February 14, 2026, and earlier Player of the Month honors in October 2025. Returning from the AFCON 2025 with Nigeria, he has netted six goals in his last five league matches, underscoring his importance to Trabzonspor's attack.
Why This Win Matters for Trabzonspor
Trabzonspor's victory propels them to third place in the Super Lig standings with 48 points from 23 matches, just seven points behind leaders Galatasaray. In a season where the club has scored 43 goals while conceding 25, Onuachu's contributions have been pivotal in keeping them competitive for a top-four finish and potential UEFA Europa League qualification.
For Onuachu, this goal not only cements his status as the league's top scorer but also heightens speculation about his future. With his Southampton contract running until 2026, clubs across Europe may eye a permanent move for the in-form forward.
Potential Impact and Next Steps
This result boosts Trabzonspor's momentum ahead of their next fixture against Adana Demirspor on February 28, 2026, where they aim to close the gap on the leaders. For Gaziantep, the defeat leaves them languishing in ninth place with 29 points, increasing pressure to avoid a mid-table slump.
Onuachu's consistent scoring could influence Nigeria's Super Eagles selections for upcoming internationals, while his performances continue to draw attention from scouts. As the Super Lig season intensifies, his ability to deliver in clutch moments will be key for Trabzonspor's ambitions.
In a league defined by fine margins, Paul Onuachu's latest heroics remind fans why he's become indispensable for Trabzonspor, blending power and precision to drive their campaign forward.