Why Paul Onuachu or Chibuike Nwaiwu might leave Trabzonspor soon

A Nigerian Super Eagles star – Paul Onuachu or Chibuike Nwaiwu – could leave Trabzonspor in the coming weeks, even though the transfer window has officially closed, Afrik-Foot reports.

​The development follows Trabzonspor’s decision to sack manager Fatih Tekke and begin the search for a new head coach.

​The Black Sea Storm finished third in the Turkish Süper Lig last season, eight points adrift of eventual champions Galatasaray. Strong performances throughout the campaign attracted significant interest in their squad, though the only key departures were Inao Oulai Christ, Felipe Augusto, and Oleksandr Zubkov.

​Meanwhile, the club made ambitious additions, bringing in Fabinho, Mohamed Salah, Aral Şimşir, Saviolo Noah, and Ernest Muçi. Trabzonspor also retained Nigerian duo Nwaiwu and last season’s top scorer, Onuachu, despite heavy speculation linking both with high-profile moves away.

​However, results have failed to match expectations this season. Trabzonspor won just one of their four pre-season fixtures, suffered elimination from the Europa League play-offs at the hands of Hungarian side Ferencváros, and slumped to a league defeat against newly-promoted Amedspor on Monday.

​For a side that invested heavily over the summer, the poor run proved unsustainable, prompting the board to dismiss Tekke on Tuesday. Tekke had been in charge since March, and his departure signals a major shift that could carry serious implications for the club’s Nigerian contingent.

Hearts UECL opponents Trabzonspor have parted ways with head coach Fatih Tekke.

The Turkish club have accepted the 48-year-old's resignation after a poor start to the season managing just one win in their opening five fixtures including a 5-0 aggregate defeat to Ferencvaros in…

— Liam Stewart (@LiamAStewart) September 2, 2026

​Why Paul Onuachu or Chibuike Nwaiwu Could Leave

​Following Tekke’s exit, Turkish journalist Serdar reported that one or two first-team players may now be moved on.

​While the identities remain unconfirmed, Onuachu is a prime candidate. The 33-year-old striker continues to attract concrete interest from clubs in the Middle East, where transfer windows remain open.

​A primary reason Trabzonspor previously held onto Onuachu was Tekke’s insistence on keeping him. With a new manager on the horizon, tactical preferences could shift, potentially opening the door for an exit and allowing the club to reinvest.

Also, Onuachu’s form has dipped — he is currently on a ten-game goal drought — which may tempt Trabzonspor to cash in before the opportunity passes.

​The situation surrounding Chibuike Nwaiwu is quite different. Although the midfielder was heavily linked with Premier League sides Fulham and Crystal Palace, that interest has cooled. Given his youth, high ceiling, and long-term value, Trabzonspor will likely remain reluctant to sanction his departure.

​For now, the club is yet to confirm an appointment, but Tekke’s successor is expected to be named in the coming days.