Osimhen v Onuachu: Ex-Trabzonspor boss explains which Super Eagles star is ‘more dangerous’

Former Trabzonspor manager Sadi Tekelioğlu has sparked debate ahead of the big Turkish Süper Lig clash between Trabzonspor and Galatasaray, Afrik-Foot reports.

Tekelioğlu, one of only 19 managers who have managed to get clubs promoted to the Süper Lig twice, has compared Super Eagles forwards Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu.

Both players have been outstanding this season, but in very different ways. Onuachu has been the league’s most prolific goalscorer, scoring 21 goals so far. He has led the line strongly for Trabzonspor and has been described as a classic ‘target man’ – a striker who thrives on crosses, set-pieces, and physical battles inside the box. His finishing has been sharp, and his presence has helped push his team into the top three.

Osimhen, on the other hand, has scored 12 league goals, fewer than Onuachu, but his importance to Galatasaray goes beyond just scoring. The striker is known for his pace, movement, and ability to stretch defences. He creates space for teammates and plays a key role in Galatasaray’s attacking system, helping them stay top of the table.

Looking at the numbers, Onuachu has played more minutes and leads in goals, while Osimhen has contributed more assists and remains central to his team’s overall play. In simple terms, Onuachu is the league’s most efficient finisher, while Osimhen is the all-round attacker who drives his team forward.

Tekelioğlu believes this difference will be important, especially when it comes to how each team copes without their star striker.

Trabzonspor: Osimhen’s absence ‘more costly’ than Onuachu’s

Speaking before the match, Tekelioğlu made it clear that he sees Osimhen as the more dangerous player overall.

He said via Habersarikirmizi, “Osimhen’s absence is a big advantage for Trabzonspor, but I can’t say the same for Galatasaray regarding Onuachu’s absence; they will fill that gap.”

The former coach suggested that Galatasaray rely more heavily on Osimhen than Trabzonspor do on Onuachu. While Trabzonspor have several players who can score goals, Galatasaray’s attacking system is built around Osimhen’s unique qualities.

Tekelioğlu went even further in his comparison.

He explained, “I don’t think Onuachu will affect Trabzonspor as much as Osimhen affected Galatasaray. Galatasaray is much more important for Osimhen. There is no more dangerous player than Osimhen in Türkiye.”

Both Onuachu and Osimhen arrived in Turkey after major transfer moves. Osimhen first joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli after a difficult period under coach Antonio Conte. His performances convinced the club to sign him permanently in a record deal.

Onuachu, meanwhile, returned to Trabzonspor from Southampton after previously enjoying a successful loan spell. He made it clear he had ‘unfinished business’ at the club, and he has delivered with goals.