Paul Onuachu continued his outstanding scoring form as he inspired Trabzonspor to a 3-1 victory over Fatih Karagümrük, scoring his 18th Super Lig goal of the season in the process. 

The Super Eagles forward also recorded his seventh headed goal of the campaign, placing him level with three Istanbul giants in aerial scoring rankings, including Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray and Beşiktaş, according to stats from Opta. 

Onuachu opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a powerful header inside the penalty area.

Although Fatih Karagümrük responded through Daniele Verde’s equaliser at minute 28, the hosts regained control after the break through effective set-piece execution and sustained pressure in the attacking third.

Another Nigerian player, Chibuike Nwaiwu, emerged as the unlikely attacking hero of the match, scoring twice from corner situations.

His second-half brace secured the victory for Trabzonspor and took his personal tally to three goals this season. 

Nwaiwu’s performance was particularly historic, as he became the first Trabzonspor centre-back to score two goals in a single Süper Lig match since Carl Medjani achieved the feat in November 2014 against Galatasaray.

Trabzonspor’s set-piece efficiency proved decisive throughout the contest, with Karagümrük struggling to clear dangerous deliveries into their defensive zone.

Wale Adejumo