Super Eagles: 2 factors that could cost Onuachu a starting role at Trabzonspor

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu is facing a fight to retain his place in Trabzonspor’s starting lineup after struggling to replicate his impressive form from last season.

Onuachu rejoined the Turkish club last summer from Southampton on a permanent deal and enjoyed a superb individual campaign, establishing himself as one of the team’s most important players.

The Super Eagles forward scored 26 goals across all competitions, including 22 in the Turkish Super Lig, to finish as the league’s top scorer and claim the Golden Boot. He also scored twice in the Turkish Cup final, helping Trabzonspor secure a 2-1 victory over Konyaspor to lift the trophy.

However, following that outstanding campaign, Onuachu has struggled to maintain the same level of performance this season, managing just three goals in 10 appearances across all competitions.

2 factors that could make Onuachu lose his starting berth at Trabzonspor

1. Poor form and Franculino Dju’s impressive performances could affect Onuachu

Onuachu’s struggles in front of goal and Franculino Dju’s impressive start at Trabzonspor could cost the Super Eagles striker his place in the team.

Although Onuachu has already proved his quality in the Turkish league, Dju has made a strong impression since joining the club in the summer. The Guinea-Bissau forward has scored four goals and provided two assists in six appearances.

Dju’s pace and ability to combine with Mohamed Salah have also added another dimension to Trabzonspor’s attacking play. Trabzonspor’s attack has looked more fluid when he has featured, giving him an advantage over Onuachu, who has struggled to reproduce last season’s goalscoring form.

While Onuachu remains a proven goalscorer who can make a difference when given the right service, his current performances leave room for competition. If Dju continues to deliver goals consistently, he could strengthen his case for a regular starting role at the expense of the Super Eagles star.

2. Fitness concerns could cost Onuachu starting berth

Another factor that could work against Onuachu is his injury, which has interrupted his progress at a time when he needs to regain his best form.

The Super Eagles forward scored in Trabzonspor’s 4-2 victory over KuPS in their Conference League opener, but he picked up an injury afterwards, which then prevented him from building on that performance and maintaining his momentum following his return to scoring.

With Dju already enjoying a productive spell, the timing of Onuachu’s injury could hardly be worse and his absence gives the Guinea-Bissau international an opportunity to establish himself further.

Trabzonspor head coach Thomas Reis also confirmed that Onuachu’s injury was unfortunate, praising the striker’s work in training and expressing hope that he would return soon.

“Specifically speaking, Onuachu was very unlucky. He’s a player who works very well in training. He started the match well and scored a nice goal. It’s a very unfortunate injury”, the coach had revealed.

“I hope he will return soon. Injuries are not an excuse for us, we cannot make excuses. Injuries are an opportunity for other players. I hope it won’t last too long and he will rejoin us soon.”

When could the Super Eagles star return?

Onuachu has already missed Trabzonspor’s 2-0 victory over Besiktas on Monday, and no exact date has been confirmed for his return to action. However, he could be back soon, depending on his recovery.

Trabzonspor will face Scottish side Hearts on Thursday in their second Conference League game of the season and will be looking to make it two wins from two in the competition, although the fixture could come too soon for Onuachu.

Onuachu’s position in the Super Eagles is also under pressure, which also makes a return to form and fitness very important.