Super Eagles star hits new milestone but Okechukwu’s Super Lig record stays untouchable

New Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu continued his impressive start to life in Turkey as he helped Trabzonspor secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over league leaders Galatasaray, Afrik-Foot reports.

Nwaiwu delivered a strong all-round display, contributing both in defence and attack as Trabzonspor boosted their own title hopes while dealing a blow to Galatasaray’s ambitions.

With Victor Osimhen missing through injury, much of Galatasaray’s attacking responsibility fell on Mauro Icardi. Nwaiwu rose to the challenge, keeping the Argentine striker quiet for most of the game.

Trabzonspor made a bright start and went ahead as early as the third minute. Paul Onuachu powered home a header from a fine delivery by Wagner Pina.

Onuachu thought he had doubled the lead midway through the first half with a sharp finish from a tight angle, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on Davinson Sánchez. Just before the break, he found the net again after a clever piece of skill, only for the effort to be disallowed for offside.

Galatasaray responded shortly after the restart when Wilfried Singo scored to level the match, briefly giving the visitors hope.

But Trabzonspor were not to be denied. In the 62nd minute, Nwaiwu rose to meet a well-delivered free-kick from Anthony Nwakaeme, guiding his header into the net to seal a vital win.

Milestone reached, but Super Eagles legend’s record remains distant

Nwaiwu’s goal also marked a personal milestone. The defender now has three goals in the Turkish Süper Lig, placing him among the top-scoring Nigerian centre-backs in the league’s history.

Despite only joining Trabzonspor in January, he has already matched the goal tallies of well-known names like William Troost-Ekong, Joseph Yobo, and Kenneth Omeruo.

Only Godfrey Oboabona, who scored four goals, and Uche Okechukwu have managed more among Nigerian defenders in the competition. Nwaiwu is now just one goal away from equalling Oboabona’s record.

However, Okechukwu’s mark remains far ahead. The former Super Eagles captain scored 26 goals in 250 appearances, making him the highest-scoring Nigerian defender in the history of the Turkish top flight, a record that still looks out of reach for now.

Beyond individual achievements, this victory could prove crucial in the title race. Trabzonspor now sit on 63 points, just one point behind leaders Galatasaray, although the Istanbul side still have a game in hand. Fenerbahçe remain in contention as well, setting up a tight three-way battle for the title.

The result also extends Trabzonspor’s winning run and gives them fresh momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.