Fatih Tekke backs Paul Onuachu to rediscover form at Trabzonspor

Paul Onuachu is under growing scrutiny at Trabzonspor after failing to score in seven consecutive matches, including pre-season fixtures, but manager Fatih Tekke has urged supporters to give the Nigeria international more time.

The striker’s difficult start continued despite Trabzonspor’s 2-1 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir. His extended spell without a goal has begun to raise questions among Turkish supporters, who are waiting to see the form that made him such an important player for the club last season.

Tekke defended Onuachu during his post-match press conference, pointing to the 26 goals the forward scored last season. The manager said those performances should be remembered before firm conclusions are reached about the player’s current form.

Onuachu has made only two official appearances so far, and Tekke called for patience while the striker continues to regain his physical condition. The 48-year-old coach also sought to remind supporters that players can be affected by circumstances away from the pitch and should not be treated as if they are machines.

“The player who enters the field is not a robot. They are human beings with emotions; they have problems. Let us be patient with Paul too,” he said.

Onuachu’s goal drought has therefore become a talking point even as Trabzonspor collect an important win. The Nigerian forward’s lack of goals has been particularly notable because of the decisive contribution he made last season, when his 26 strikes established him as a key attacking figure for the club.

Tekke’s comments were intended to ease the pressure surrounding the player after the opening stages of the campaign. Rather than judging Onuachu solely on his first two competitive outings, the manager asked the club’s supporters to allow him time to reach full fitness and settle into the new season.

The victory over Istanbul Basaksehir gave Trabzonspor a positive result, but the attention surrounding Onuachu means the forward’s return to scoring form will remain a central focus. For now, Tekke has made clear that he continues to trust the striker and believes patience is the appropriate response to his slow start.

Onuachu’s recent run includes matches played during pre-season, meaning he has gone seven games without finding the net. However, Tekke’s defence rests on both the player’s record from last season and his current physical situation, with the manager insisting that the forward should be judged with an understanding of the human pressures affecting footballers.

The immediate challenge for Onuachu will be to turn that patience into goals. Until then, Trabzonspor’s manager is asking supporters to remember what the striker has already delivered and to wait before drawing conclusions about his latest spell at the club.