Explosive Nigerian duo fires Trabzonspor to crucial 3-1 triumph

Two goals in three second-half minutes from Trabzonspor’s Nigerian duo powered the Black Sea side to a 3-1 victory over Fatih Karagümrük and strengthened their grip on a top-three finish in the Turkish Süper Lig.

On matchday 24 at Papara Park, Trabzonspor turned to the sharp instincts of Paul Onuachu and the growing influence of Chibuike Nwaiwu to settle a contest that briefly threatened to slip from their control.

The win keeps the club firmly on the podium as the title race intensifies.

Onuachu set the tone early. The 31-year-old striker broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, continuing a run of remarkable consistency in front of goal.

According to statistics reported by Complete Sports, he has now scored in seven successive league matches.

The former Southampton forward has amassed 18 goals in 21 league appearances this season, underlining his importance to the “Black Sea Storm”.

His latest strike also strengthens his position at the top of the scoring charts, moving him two clear of his nearest challenger, Eldor Shomurodov of İstanbul Başakşehir.

Fatih Karagümrük responded before the break, with Daniel Verde equalising in the 26th minute to ensure the sides went in level.

But the balance shifted decisively soon after the restart.

Within two minutes of the second half beginning, winter signing Nwaiwu restored Trabzonspor’s lead with a clinical finish in the 47th minute.

Three minutes later, the contest was effectively settled.

Onuachu turned provider, combining neatly with his compatriot before setting up Nwaiwu for his second goal of the evening in the 50th minute.

Nwaiwu, who joined from Wolfsberger AC during the winter window, has made an immediate impact.

The midfielder now boasts two goals and one assist in just six league appearances, adding fresh momentum to Trabzonspor’s campaign.

The result leaves Trabzonspor third in the table on 48 points, consolidating their position among the league’s leading sides.

They remain four points behind Fenerbahçe, who also have a game in hand.

With Onuachu’s relentless scoring streak and Nwaiwu’s swift adaptation, Trabzonspor’s Nigerian partnership is emerging as a decisive factor in the race for honours as the season enters its decisive phase.