Paul Onuachu at Trabzonspor. (Photo credit/Club X)
Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu netted a brace for Trabzonspor in their 3-1 victory over Kayserispor at the Kadir Has Stadium on Monday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Onuachu has been in prolific form for Trabzonspor this season. He entered the match against Kayserispor boasting a clinical return of 18 goals in 21 Super Lig appearances, solidifying his status as the league’s top scorer.
Trabzonspor entered the fixture as heavy favorites, having won eight of their last ten matches across all competitions.
Conversely, the Anatolian Stars of Kayserispor were struggling, securing only one win in their previous seven outings.
The task grew even tougher for the hosts in the eighth minute when Dorukhan Tokoz was shown a straight red card, leaving Kayserispor a man down for the majority of the match.
The Black Sea Storm immediately seized control, and while Onuachu initially missed a few half-chances, he finally broke the deadlock during first-half stoppage time.
In the 47th minute, Onuachu utilized his imposing height to pounce on a Wagner Pina cross, nodding it home to make it 1-0.
Moments later, the lead was doubled when Laszlo Benes was penalized for a handball in the box. As the designated penalty taker, Onuachu stepped up and calmly dispatched the spot-kick into the top-right corner.
The second half began with similar intensity as Fatih Tekke’s side continued to press. Their persistence paid off in the 53rd minute through a stroke of luck; a strike from Oleksandr Zubkov rattled the woodwork, ricocheted off goalkeeper Bilal Bayazit, and rolled into the net.
With a 3-0 lead and 40 minutes remaining, Trabzonspor reduced their intensity, opting to control possession rather than hunt for a fourth.
Late in the second half, coach Tekke then introduced Nigerian stars Chibuike Nwaiwu and Anthony Nwakaeme.
Eventually, German Onugkha managed a consolation goal for Kayserispor in the 83rd minute, it was far too late to spark a comeback, as it ended 3-1 after 90 minutes.
The win cements Trabzonspor’s position in third place, trailing Fenerbahçe and league leaders Galatasaray.
Watch Highlights of Kayserispor vs Trabzonspor
Paul Onuachu Equals Historic Milestone
Paul Onuachu’s dominance in Turkey has reached a new peak. His brace on Monday brings his season tally to 20 goals in 22 Super Lig games.
By finding the net against Kayserispor, Onuachu has now scored in seven consecutive matches. This feat sees him equal the club record for the longest goalscoring streak, previously held exclusively by Turkish legend Burak Yilmaz during the 2011/12 season.
It has taken 14 years for a player to match Yilmaz’s landmark. Onuachu will now have the opportunity to claim the record for himself when Trabzonspor host Rizespor at Papara Park this weekend.
Kelvin Omachonu
Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.
