Trabzonspor suffer Onuachu blow as Super Eagles star hands Galatasaray title boost

Trabzonspor have been dealt a major setback in their push for the Turkish Süper Lig title after Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu was ruled out of their upcoming clash with Corendon Alanyaspor due to injury, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles forward picked up a problem during the team’s final training session ahead of the match. Early checks revealed pain and stiffness in his left thigh, with the club’s medical team suspecting a muscle injury. He has now been withdrawn from the travelling squad, with treatment already underway.

Trabzonspor’s Health Board Chairman, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Beşir, confirmed the situation, saying:

“Following an initial assessment of our player Paul Onuachu, who experienced pain and stiffness in the upper anterior thigh muscle group during today’s training session, a muscle injury is suspected, and he has been removed from the Corendon Alanyaspor match squad. Treatment for our player has been started by our medical team.”

His absence comes at the worst possible time. Onuachu has been the driving force behind Trabzonspor’s attack this season, scoring 22 league goals in 25 appearances. Across all competitions, he has found the net 24 times in just 28 matches, accounting for around 40 percent of the team’s total goals.

Standing at over two metres tall, he has been almost impossible to handle in the air, scoring eight headed goals. His physical presence, hold-up play, and finishing have made Trabzonspor one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the league.

He was also in red-hot form, recently setting a club record by scoring in nine straight matches. Just last weekend, he delivered a crucial goal in a vital 2-1 victory over title rivals Galatasaray, a result that reignited Trabzonspor’s title hopes.

Even Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk admitted how important he is, noting that Trabzonspor are ‘a different team’ without him.

Trabzonspor: A title race finely balanced

Onuachu’s injury now casts doubt over Trabzonspor’s momentum at a critical stage of the season. With only a handful of matches left, every point matters, and losing their main goal threat could prove costly.

The title race remains incredibly tight. Galatasaray sit top of the table with 67 points, but their lead is far from secure. Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor are both on 63 points, just four behind.

Trabzonspor had been the form team in the league, winning six matches in a row to climb back into contention. Their recent victory over Galatasaray showed they have the belief to go all the way, but this latest setback could slow their charge.

Coach Fatih Tekke is now expected to turn to Umut Nayir to lead the attack, while winger Anthony Nwakaeme will carry more creative responsibility.

Elsewhere, Galatasaray remain strong despite their recent defeat, although they too have injury concerns with key striker Victor Osimhen sidelined. Fenerbahçe also continue to apply pressure with remarkable consistency, losing just once all season.

A decisive moment could come later this month when Galatasaray host Fenerbahçe in a huge derby that may shape the destination of the title. Trabzonspor, however, will hope to stay in the race and take advantage of any slip-ups.