Super Eagles: Why Onuachu needs to respond to his changing situation at Trabzonspor

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu’s position at Trabzonspor is facing fresh uncertainty after Thomas Reis decided to bench him in favour of Franculino Djú in their Turkish Super Lig game against Samsunspor on Friday.

The Nigerian finished last season as the joint Süper Lig top scorer with 22 goals, and got linked to several clubs as a result, but he opted to stay in Trabzon.

However, his slow start to the new campaign has given coach Thomas Reis reason to reconsider his options. Onuachu’s reduced involvement, including his substitute appearance in the 3-0 win over Samsunspor, just goes to show the change.

With competition for places increasing, the 32-year-old now needs to respond quickly to the changes at his club in order to protect his role and strengthen his Super Eagles prospects.

Franculino Is Threatening His starting Place

Paul Onuachu’s goals made him an automatic choice for much of last season. But the arrival of Dju Franculino from FC Midtjylland has changed that dynamic, giving Reis another option in attack.

The young forward impressed against Galatasaray before the international break, putting pressure on the coach to give him more opportunities.

Then, on Saturday, he led the line when they took on Samsunspor while Onuachu started from the bench.

Franculino Djú continue encore d’être brillant, il est juste trop FORT🇬🇼 💎 22 ans 🏟️ 6 matchs TCC ⚽️ 4 buts 🎯 1 passe décisive https://t.co/zMFw6eUTSk

— Toinoudobrazil🇧🇷 (@ToinouleZGA) October 10, 2026

This just shows that while Onuachu’s experience remains valuable, last season’s achievements will not guarantee his place since his rival is performing better now.

As such, the Super Eagles star must show that his aerial strength, hold-up play and penalty-box presence can still give Trabzonspor an advantage over Franculino.

He Needs To Rediscover His scoring Form

Paul Onuachu scored twice in Trabzonspor’s 5-0 victory over Gençlerbirliği in September, but he has yet to reproduce the consistency that made him so effective last season.

For a striker whose value is closely tied to his goals, that matters. He needs to make the most of his next opportunities, whether he starts or comes off the bench, and show that he can still deliver for the Black Sea Storm regularly.

Unfortunately for him, Franculino is a player who is destined for greatness. He is fearless, unpredictable, and younger – so, of course, he is quicker.

His Super Eagles Place Is At stake

Onuachu’s club situation would definitely affect his standing with Nigeria. Victor Osimhen remains the untouchable option, while Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and Taiwo Awoniyi add competition for attacking places. There is also Rafiu Durosinmi, Cyriel Dessers, GIft Orban, and George Ilenikhena.

Regular football and goals at Trabzonspor would strengthen Onuachu’s case with Eric Chelle. But spells on the bench, however, could leave him struggling to get into the national team.

Onuachu has already proved he can thrive in Turkey. Now, with Franculino challenging for his place, he must act quickly or lose his place.