‘It’s a shame’ – Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu fumes after VAR controversially cancels goal in Fenerbahçe defeat

Nigerian forward Paul Onuachu has hit out at match officials after his first-half strike was controversially ruled out in Trabzonspor’s 1-0 defeat to Fenerbahçe on Sunday night.

The Super Eagles striker, who joined Trabzonspor from Southampton during the 2025 summer window, thought he had given his side an early lead at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.

Rising above Milan Škriniar in the 11th minute, Onuachu powered home a header to seemingly break the deadlock before referee Ozan Ergün was instructed to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.

After a lengthy VAR check, the goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up, sparking fury among the visitors.

Onuachu, visibly incensed by the decision, was booked for dissent and did not hold back when speaking to reporters at full-time.

“It’s a shame for the Turkish league! They have to do better,” the 31-year-old declared as he left the stadium.

Trabzonspor’s frustration deepened when Youssef En-Nesyri scored just before halftime to seal all three points for Fenerbahçe.

Club president Ertuğrul Doğan also condemned the officiating, saying the decision “doesn’t make sense” and warning such incidents damage the Turkish Super Lig’s reputation.

“At one point, we considered pulling the team off the field. No one has the right to do this to anyone,” Doğan fumed, as quoted by Haberler.

Trabzonspor now turn their attention to a home clash with Gaziantep at Papara Park, where Onuachu will be desperate to put the controversy behind him and help close the five-point gap on leaders Galatasaray.