Paul Onuachu has finally found his scoring boots this season — and what a way to open his account. The Nigerian striker struck twice in the first half to fire Trabzonspor to a stunning 5-0 victory over Gençlerbirliği at Papara Park on Sunday evening.
The Super Eagles striker opened the scoring just five minutes into the encounter, producing a composed finish to give the hosts an early lead.
Onuachu showed great composure inside the box, heading home from the right side of the six-yard area into the top-right corner following a pinpoint cross from Aral Simsir.
Just 22 minutes into the game, the Turkish giants doubled their advantage after catching Gençlerbirliği on the counter.
Wagner Pina received a long pass deep inside the opposition area before driving forward and spotting Onuachu inside the box. He then delivered a first-time cross for the Nigerian to tap home and make it 3-0.
Before Onuachu completed his brace, Mohamed Salah had converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-0.
Chibuike Nwaiwu won the foul inside the penalty area, with Firatcan Uzum eventually conceding the spot-kick following VAR confirmation.
The Nigerian international’s two-goal display means he has now directly contributed to 51 goals for Trabzonspor, with 45 goals and six assists in 67 appearances.
However, Onuachu’s evening was cut short just before half-time after he picked up an injury. He was replaced by newly signed Franculino Djú, who later completed the rout by scoring the fifth goal in the 78th minute.
Ernest Muçi had earlier made it 4-0 after being set up by Salah, who completed his own impressive contribution to the emphatic victory.
Before Sunday’s two-goal show, the 32-year-old had struggled to reproduce the form that made him so dangerous last season, going five consecutive matches without a goal contribution.
He has now ended that drought in emphatic fashion while helping the Pride of the Black Sea improve an inconsistent start to the campaign.
The victory was particularly important for the Turkish side, who had managed just one win in their previous five outings, alongside three defeats and one draw.
Onuachu’s return to the scoresheet also comes after a summer transfer saga surrounding his future.
Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan had previously dismissed reports that the Nigerian striker could leave the club, insisting that his departure was not being considered despite interest from several clubs.
Onuachu enjoyed an outstanding 2025-26 campaign, scoring 26 goals in all competitions, including 22 league goals, which saw him share the Turkish Süper Lig Golden Boot.
Despite reported interest from several clubs, particularly those in the Saudi Pro League, Doğan maintained that Trabzonspor had no plans to part ways with their prolific Nigerian forward.
