‘Competition adds something to you’ – Paul Onuachu on competing with Victor Osimhen

Paul Onuachu believes his rivalry with fellow Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has become a driving force that continues to push both players to greater heights in the Turkish Super Lig.

The Trabzonspor forward enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 campaign, finishing as one of the league’s most prolific attackers after scoring 22 goals in 30 appearances. His outstanding form saw him share the Super Lig Golden Boot award with İstanbul Başakşehir striker Eldor Shomurodov.

Onuachu’s rise came during a period when Osimhen had established himself as the benchmark for elite finishing in Turkey. The Galatasaray forward claimed the top scorer award in the previous season after registering 26 league goals during his debut campaign with the club while on loan from Napoli.

Although Osimhen missed 12 league matches last season because of injury and international commitments with the Super Eagles, he remained central to Galatasaray’s success as they successfully defended their league title.

The former African Footballer of the Year finished the season strongly, contributing either a goal or an assist in each of his final 12 league appearances to underline his influence on the champions.

“Competition adds something to you”

For Onuachu, the battle to be recognised among Turkey’s best strikers is not viewed as a rivalry filled with hostility but rather a source of motivation.

The 31-year-old believes competing alongside a player of Osimhen’s quality has helped both forwards maintain high standards while representing Nigeria on the biggest stages.

“There will always be competition. Competition adds something to you. There are important strikers like Osimhen in the league. Last year I managed to become the top scorer,” Onuachu was quoted as saying by 61Saat.

The former Genk striker also revealed that the pair maintain a strong relationship despite competing for individual honours.

“We both congratulate each other. When one of us achieves success, we congratulate each other. I called and spoke to them when they won the league.”

Onuachu added that having another Nigerian striker performing at the highest level in the same competition makes the experience even more special.

“It’s a good thing to play and compete with someone from the same country. When he wins, I congratulate him, and when I win, he congratulates me.”

Nigeria’s attacking options continue to shine

The emergence of both Onuachu and Osimhen has strengthened Nigeria’s attacking depth, giving the Super Eagles two proven goal threats ahead of future international challenges.

While Osimhen remains one of Africa’s most recognised forwards following his exploits in Italy, Turkey and on the continental stage, Onuachu has rebuilt his reputation after returning to Turkey and producing one of the best seasons of his career.

Onuachu is currently preparing for the new campaign with Trabzonspor, having joined his teammates for pre-season training in Schladming, Austria.

The striker was part of the squad preparing for a friendly encounter against Al Sadd as Trabzonspor continue their preparations for the upcoming season.