Paul Onuachu continues to rewrite his story in Turkey as he cements his place as Trabzonspor’s most influential figure this season, drawing a rare and stunning comparison with fellow Nigerian star Victor Osimhen, according to former Turkish midfielder Abdullah Ercan.
Onuachu, the towering Super Eagles striker, has been one of the standout performers in the 2025-26 Turkish Süper Lig, currently topping the score charts with 22 goals and two assists in 25 league appearances, a remarkable return that places him well clear of his closest rivals.
The Nigerian hitman’s scoring run has been pivotal to Trabzonspor’s title push, accounting for close to 40 percent of the Black Sea Storm’s total goals this season. His lethal touch in front of goal has not only made him a fan favourite but also turned him into a player feared by defences across Turkey.
In an interview that’s now making waves in Turkish football circles, Ercan didn’t hold back in his praise. He insisted that Onuachu’s influence at Trabzonspor mirrors what Victor Osimhen represents at Galatasaray, another Nigerian forward who has also enjoyed a stellar campaign for the league leaders.
“Whatever Victor Osimhen means to Galatasaray, Paul Onuachu means exactly the same to Trabzonspor,” Ercan said, underlining the impact the former Genk and Southampton striker has had since his permanent move to the Black Sea club last year.
Onuachu’s presence has been especially missed in recent fixtures, most notably in Trabzonspor’s 1-1 draw with Alanyaspor, where his absence due to a minor injury was strongly felt. The stoppage ended a seven-game winning streak in the league, a run in which Onuachu was central to most of their goals.
The draw saw Trabzonspor slip to third place in the Süper Lig, a few points behind leaders Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, making Onuachu’s return all the more crucial as the title race enters its final stretch.
Onuachu’s rise this season has been nothing short of extraordinary considering his earlier career fluctuations. After an underwhelming stint at Southampton in England, the 2.01-metre striker revitalised his career with Trabzonspor and has since become one of the most feared forwards in the league.
Onuachu’s goals and presence could well be the difference between silverware and near glory for Trabzonspor. With expectations high, all eyes will be on his return and whether he can sustain this prolific form right to the end of the season.
