Onuachu ends Trabzonspor’s goal drought with brace but injury raises AFCON qualifiers concern

Paul Onuachu returned to the scoresheet on Sunday, scoring twice as Trabzonspor thrashed Genclerbirligi 5-0 in the Turkish Super Lig.

The Super Eagles striker ended an eight-match goal drought for the club by finding the net twice inside the opening 22 minutes at Papara Park.

Onuachu opened the scoring in the fifth minute before completing his brace in the 22nd minute as Trabzonspor quickly took control of the contest.

Onuachu makes instant impact

Trabzonspor had already established a comfortable lead before half-time, with Mohamed Salah converting a penalty in the 14th minute to make it 2-0.

Onuachu’s second goal then put the hosts three goals ahead, giving him a much-needed boost after struggling to find the net in his previous eight appearances.

However, his impressive outing was cut short just before the interval.

The Nigerian forward was substituted in the 44th minute, with Franculino Djú introduced in his place. The reason for the early withdrawal was an injury, raising concerns over his availability with Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign approaching.

Djú later added Trabzonspor’s fourth goal in the 78th minute, completing the rout and sealing a convincing victory for the Turkish side.

Nigeria face anxious wait over forwards

The timing of Onuachu’s injury could be particularly concerning for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, with Nigeria set to begin their AFCON qualifying campaign later this month.

The striker’s fitness will now be monitored as Nigeria assesses its options in attack.

The latest concern also comes shortly after Victor Osimhen suffered an injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir.

With both Onuachu and Osimhen among Nigeria’s key attacking options, their respective fitness situations could become an important talking point ahead of the qualifiers.