Super Eagles star to leave Trabzonspor by end of season despite heroics against Galatasaray

Super Eagles forward Anthony Nwakaeme is still expected to depart Trabzonspor at the end of the season despite his heroic performance against Galatasaray on Saturday, according to Afrik-Foot.

Nwakaeme is a bonafide legend at Trabzonspor. Since joining the club from Hapoel Beer Sheva in 2018, he has made an immediate and lasting impact.

In 2022, the former Cluj man led the Black Sea Storm to their first Süper Lig title in 38 years. By contributing to a third of the team’s goals that season, he cemented his status as a fan favorite — an achievement that even earned him a statue at the club.

Grizzled veteran Nwakaeme powers stunning Trabzonspor comeback — players celebrates Nwakaeme goal. Photo : SeskimphotoxImago

Immediately following that title win, Nwakaeme opted for a lucrative move to the Saudi Arabian side Al Fayha. However, he returned to Trabzonspor for a second stint in 2024.

During this tenure, he has largely served as a veteran presence in the dressing room, with his on-pitch minutes naturally decreasing.

In a surprise move on Saturday, coach Fatih Tekke handed him a start in the season’s biggest fixture against Galatasaray.

Nwakaeme delivered a brilliant performance, providing the crucial assist for Chibuike Nwaiwu’s winning goal. While this display has sparked debate regarding his future, his contract is still set to expire at the end of the campaign.

Rolland Sallai L of Galatasaray and Anthony Nwakaeme R of Trabzonspor — Rolland Sallai and Anthony Nwakaeme. Photo by IMAGO

Nwakaeme To Leave Trabzonspor

Despite his recent brilliance, the consensus remains that Nwakaeme will leave his playing role at Trabzonspor this summer.

Having turned 37 last month, and given his erratic starting opportunities, the club appears ready to part ways with him as a player.

Anthony Nwakaeme of Trabzonspor. Photo by SeskimphotoxImagi

There is, however, a possibility that the Nigerian attacker remains with the club in a different capacity.

Reports suggest he could join the backroom staff to begin his coaching badges under Fatih Tekke, with whom he shares a close professional relationship.

Nwakaeme’s international career remains a curious issue though. He earned only one cap for Nigeria in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria.

Although the match originally ended in a 1-1 draw, FIFA later awarded a 3-0 win to the Fennec Foxes after it was discovered that Nigeria had fielded an ineligible player.