Nigerian forward Paul Onuachu fires Trabzonspor to Turkish Cup triumph

Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu delivered a match-winning performance on Friday night as Trabzonspor defeated Konyaspor to win the Turkish Cup for the tenth time in the club’s history.

The towering forward scored twice in the final played in Antalya, proving decisive in a tense encounter that eventually handed Trabzonspor their first Turkish Cup triumph since the 2019/20 season.

Trabzonspor struck first shortly before halftime through Onuachu, whose goal gave his side a crucial advantage heading into the break.

The Turkish club entered the final following the earlier exits of Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Besiktas, with the competition left wide open for a new champion to emerge.

Cameroonian goalkeeper André Onana started in goal for Trabzonspor in the final. The shot-stopper, reportedly on loan from Manchester United, was part of a side looking to end its long wait for silverware in the domestic cup competition.

Konyaspor responded strongly after halftime and managed to draw level through Jackson Muleka, setting up a tense final period. The equaliser shifted momentum and increased the pressure on Trabzonspor as both sides searched for a decisive breakthrough.

Konyaspor nearly completed the turnaround shortly after the hour mark when Enis Bardhi came close to scoring.

His effort struck the post before rebounding safely toward Onana,

That missed opportunity proved costly.

With ten minutes remaining, Trabzonspor found the winning goal through Onuachu once again. The Nigerian international reacted quickly after the ball arrived inside the penalty area and calmly converted from close range to restore his side’s lead.

Konyaspor were unable to respond in the closing stages as Trabzonspor held firm to secure the trophy and celebrate a memorable night in Antalya.

For Onuachu, the final reinforced his reputation as a decisive figure in important matches. His brace not only secured silverware for Trabzonspor but also highlighted the impact the Nigerian striker continues to make in Turkish football.