Nigeria: Paul Onuachu injured after brace, fresh blow after Osimhen

06.09.26 FT Super Lig Turkey

Trabzonspor

5

:

Genclerbirligi

0

Paul Onuachu scored twice against Gençlerbirliği but was forced to leave the pitch before half-time. His coach has offered some reassurance, but the medical tests are now highly anticipated in Nigeria.

The evening had started perfectly for Paul Onuachu. The Nigerian striker scored a brace for Trabzonspor against Gençlerbirliği on Sunday, but he was unable to finish the game. After picking up an injury in the first half, he was forced off in the 43rd minute, raising doubts over his physical condition.

After finding the net twice, Onuachu had to leave his teammates prematurely. New signing Franculino Dju came on to replace him and finish the game. His early departure immediately raised concerns, especially as the exact nature of the injury has yet to be disclosed.

Trabzonspor coach offers reassurance

After the match, Trabzonspor interim head coach Hüseyin Çimşir nevertheless offered some reassurance regarding his striker.

«“Onuachu’s injury is not serious,” the Turkish coach said.»

It is an encouraging first assessment, but it will have to be confirmed by medical examinations. The club’s medical staff will now assess the situation to determine the exact nature of the injury and the possible length of his absence.

For now, there is therefore no basis to say that Onuachu will be sidelined for several weeks. The medical verdict should provide more clarity in the coming hours.

Nigeria hold their breath after Osimhen

The timing of this injury is particularly concerning for the Super Eagles. Just one day earlier, Victor Osimhen had also been forced off early during Galatasaray’s victory over İstanbul Başakşehir after scoring his team’s opening goal. Medical examinations subsequently revealed a muscle injury to his right adductor, ruling the striker out of Nigeria’s upcoming September fixtures.

Seeing Onuachu also go off injured just 24 hours after Osimhen represents another major concern for Eric Chelle’s side.

The timing could hardly be worse, with Nigeria set to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in September, with Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau among their opponents.

Medical verdict eagerly awaited

For the Super Eagles, the hope is now that Onuachu’s injury is indeed not serious, as Hüseyin Çimşir suggested.

However, until the medical tests provide a definitive verdict, no conclusions can be drawn. After losing Osimhen, Nigeria can ill afford to see another of their key strikers spend an extended period on the sidelines.

After scoring a brace before being forced off injured, Onuachu endured a brilliant yet worrying evening. The upcoming medical tests will determine whether this was merely a scare or whether it will further complicate the Super Eagles’ plans.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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