Super Eagles’ Onuachu speaks on World Cup heartbreak, Poland test and Trabzonspor success

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has spoken candidly about Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, Afrik-Foot reports.

Onuachu also expressed confidence in the Super Eagles‘ ability ahead of Wednesday night’s international friendly against Poland in Warsaw.

The Trabzonspor forward, who enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career in Turkey, admitted that missing out on football’s biggest tournament remains a painful experience for the players. However, he believes the quality within the Nigerian squad remains among the best in world football.

Speaking to the Super Eagles media team from the team’s camp ahead of friendlies against Poland and Portugal, Onuachu stressed that Nigeria still possess enough talent to compete with any nation despite their World Cup disappointment.

“Sad we’re not going to the World Cup,” Onuachu said. “Because we have good players, great players, world-class players, but unfortunately we are not going to the World Cup, but it’s football.”

Paul Onuachu reflects on missing out on the World Cup#SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/1rCR6N6X1p

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) June 3, 2026

Nigeria’s failure to secure qualification was one of the biggest disappointments for the national team, especially considering the number of top players available to the squad. Nevertheless, Onuachu believes the focus must now shift towards rebuilding and preparing for future competitions.

The 31-year-old also highlighted the importance of returning to camp and reconnecting with his teammates as the Super Eagles prepare to face two strong European opponents.

“So, it’s always nice to come around the team and you know meet the boys again,” Onuachu said. “And of course we are ready, prepared, and we have the quality to play against any team in the world and then and hopefully we’re going to show it and against Portugal.”

Super Eagles star Onuachu enjoys Trabzonspor success

While international football brought disappointment, the 2025/26 season proved highly rewarding for Onuachu at Trabzonspor.

The towering striker completed a remarkable revival in Turkey after enduring a difficult spell at Southampton, where he scored only four goals in 36 appearances.

His relationship with Trabzonspor began during a successful loan spell in 2023 when he netted 15 goals in just 21 league matches. That form convinced the Turkish side to bring him back permanently, and Onuachu rewarded their faith with another outstanding campaign.

He finished the 2025/26 Turkish Süper Lig season as joint-top scorer, winning the Golden Boot after scoring 22 goals in 30 league appearances. He also helped Trabzonspor lift the Turkish Cup, making it one of the most memorable seasons of his career.

Reflecting on his success, Onuachu explained that playing in a system designed to maximise his strengths has played a major role in his resurgence.

“So winning the cup made it an amazing season,” he said. “I know what the team wants, what the city wants, and then I mean, when you’re in a team who plays to your strength, who knows your quality, everything will always work out in one way or the other.”

The former Southampton striker also revealed that he returned to Trabzonspor with a mission to finish what he started during his loan spell.

Before completing the transfer, he promised supporters that he would return stronger and deliver success to the club.

“So coming there, I knew I was going to score some goals,” he added. “Even before I made the transfer, I made a video for the Trabzonspor fans, and I told them I’m coming back stronger and better, and then that we had an unfinished business the last time I was on loan there that I’m coming to finish it. So I think I fulfilled what I said to them before I signed. So, I was good.”

Onuachu now heads into the Poland and Portugal friendlies in high spirits. The ex-Genk ace has scored four goals in 31 appearances for the Super Eagles and was part of the Nigeria squad that secured a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.