Why Nwaiwu will miss Trabzonspor’s clash with Ferencvaros — key reason revealed

Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu will miss Trabzonspor’s crucial Europa League qualifying clash against Ferencvaros later today, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 23-year-old has been an impressive addition to the club since his arrival during the winter transfer window, going on to play a key role in Trabzonspor’s Turkish Cup triumph last season.

Nwaiwu’s performances have also attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, with Fulham, Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur among the teams monitoring his situation.

The Super Eagles defender was also an important part of Nigeria’s Unity Cup-winning squad in May, featuring in both victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica as the Super Eagles lifted the trophy for a fourth consecutive edition.

He has carried that form into the new season, featuring in all of Trabzonspor’s games so far. However, he will be unavailable when the Turkish side face Ferencvaros in the second leg of their Europa League qualifying tie.

Why Nwaiwu will miss crucial Trabzonspor clash

According to reports, Nwaiwu has been handed a two-match suspension by UEFA following his red card in Trabzonspor’s 1-0 first-leg defeat at Papara Park last week.

The 23-year-old was sent off for a reckless challenge in the sixth minute of stoppage time and will now miss the return leg against Ferencvaros.

Trabzonspor have a one-goal deficit to overturn from the first leg, meaning they need to win by at least two goals to advance to the Europa League playoff phase. A one-goal victory would take the tie into extra time and, if necessary, penalties to determine the winner.

If Trabzonspor lose or are eliminated, they will drop into the UEFA Conference League instead. Whichever competition they end up playing in, Nwaiwu will also miss their first league-phase match as he serves the second game of his two-match suspension.

His absence will be a major blow to Trabzonspor, considering the importance of the match and the Nigerian defender’s growing influence in the team.

The Turkish side will also be hoping fellow Nigerian Paul Onuachu can end his recent goal drought and make the difference in attack as they look to overturn the first-leg defeat.

Nwaiwu will now be expected to return to the squad for Trabzonspor’s clash against Amedspor next Monday as they look to maintain their unbeaten start to the Super Lig season.