Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu has stressed that no match in the Turkish top flight is easy, following his latest goal for Trabzonspor in the Süper Lig, which extended his impressive goal-scoring streak.

The 31-year-old striker was the decisive figure as Trabzonspor secured a 1-0 victory over Çaykur Rizespor in the 26th week of the league campaign.

Onuachu scored the only goal of the Black Sea derby, continuing a remarkable run of form in front of goal.

The strike further emphasized the Nigerian international’s importance to Trabzonspor this season.

His goal against Rizespor took his overall tally to 23 goals and two assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.

Onuachu has also been enjoying a prolific run in the league. The goal extended his scoring streak to eight consecutive Süper Lig matches, during which he has scored against Kasımpaşa, Antalyaspor, Samsunspor, Fenerbahçe, Gaziantep, Fatih Karagümrük, Kayserispor, and now Rizespor.

The achievement places him in the club’s history books. Onuachu became the first Trabzonspor player to score in eight or more consecutive league matches since former striker Burak Yılmaz accomplished the feat in 2011.

Speaking after the match, the Nigerian striker first addressed the emotional circumstances surrounding the victory and dedicated the result to the family of a coach connected to the club.

“I want to start by offering my condolences to the family of our coach, whom we lost,” Onuachu said, as quoted by Haberturk.

“We dedicate this victory to him and his family. It wasn't easy to play this match. We are going through a difficult period for our city and our club. We are happy that we won this match for him.”

Regarding his goalscoring streak, the FC Ebedei product stressed that every game in the league requires determination and focus.

“There are no easy matches in this league,” Onuachu said. “We need to highlight the quality of our opponent. Rizespor put up a good fight defensively. We will continue to fight.”

The former Southampton forward further praised the role of the coaching staff in the team’s continued success and emphasised the need for collective improvement.

“We have to give credit to our coach and technical staff,” he said. “With their help, we continue to win. What we need to do is always continue to improve as a team.”

Trabzonspor’s victory ensured that the team maintained its positive momentum in the league while Onuachu’s consistent scoring form continued to be a key factor in the club’s results this season.

Wale Adejumo