Paul Onuachu: Super Eagles star scores first-ever goal against Galatasaray

Paul Onuachu has ended his Galatasaray hoodoo as the Trabzonspor striker finally scored his first-ever goal against the champions, Afrik-Foot reports.

The towering Nigerian forward struck just four minutes into the game at Papara Park, rising above the defence to meet a well-placed cross from Wagner Pina. With a powerful header into the bottom corner, Onuachu showed the aerial strength that has made him one of the most feared strikers in the league.

It was a goal that carried more than just early-match excitement. Before this encounter, Galatasaray had been one of the few top Turkish sides Onuachu had failed to score against. That changed in emphatic fashion.

Incredibly, Onuachu could have had a brace within the opening 26 minutes but the referee ruled out his audacious finish for an initial foul on Davison Sanchez.

The strike also help Onuachu maintainhis remarkable form this season. Onuachu has now scored 22 league goals in the 2025–26 campaign, more than any other African player across Europe’s top leagues. Even more impressive, he has found the net in ten of his last 11 matches in all competitions.

The goal set the tone for Trabzonspor in what was always expected to be a high-pressure contest. Facing the league leaders, they needed a fast start, and Onuachu provided exactly that.

Paul Onuachu keeps Trabzonspor’s title hopes alive in Osimhen’s absence

Beyond Paul Onuachu’s goal itself, the result carries serious implications for the Turkish Süper Lig title race, especially for Galatasaray and their Nigerian star Victor Osimhen.

Going into the match, Galatasaray were top of the table with 64 points, holding a four-point lead. A win would stretch that advantage to seven points and put them firmly in control of the title race. Instead, they faced a stern test from a Trabzonspor side full of confidence and momentum.

Trabzonspor came into the game on a five-match winning streak, sitting level on points with Fenerbahçe. Victory would not only boost their own title hopes but also tighten the gap at the top to just one point.

A key factor in the balance of the game was the absence of Osimhen. The Galatasaray striker missed the clash as he continues to recover from a fractured forearm suffered during a Champions League tie against Liverpool. The injury, caused by a heavy aerial collision, required surgery and has ruled him out for several weeks.

Without Osimhen’s pace, movement and goal threat, Galatasaray lacked their usual cutting edge. His absence placed even greater focus on Onuachu at the other end and the Nigerian forward seized the moment.

Osimhen is expected to return later in April, possibly in time for the crucial derby against Fenerbahçe. Until then, the title race remains wide open, with every result carrying huge significance.