Nigeria defender Chibuike Nwaiwu delivered a strong individual performance and provided an assist, but Trabzonspor fell to a 3-2 defeat against Fenerbahce at Papara Park in a crucial Turkish Super Lig encounter.
Trabzonspor made a bright start and took the lead in the sixth minute through Ernest Muci. The move began with Nwaiwu, whose precise through pass split the defence and released Muci, who finished confidently to put the home side ahead.
Fenerbahce responded in the 15th minute when Talisca scored the equaliser to silence the crowd. The visitors gradually gained control and went in front in the 34th minute after Kerem Akturkoglu collected a well weighted pass and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 2-1.
The home side fought back before the break. In the 43rd minute, Paul Onuachu met a cross from Mathias Lovik with a powerful header that bounced past the goalkeeper to level the score at 2-2 heading into half time.
Fenerbahce regained the advantage early in the second half. A quick transition in midfield saw Talisca switch play to Akturkoglu, who cut the ball back for Marco Asensio to finish calmly and restore the visitors’ lead at 3-2. That goal proved decisive as Trabzonspor were unable to find another equaliser despite late pressure.
The victory keeps Fenerbahce unbeaten in the league and moves them to 52 points, three behind leaders Galatasaray. Trabzonspor remain third, and their six match unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end.
Chibuike Nwaiwu completed the full 90 minutes and impressed defensively, recording one interception, six clearances and seven recoveries. He won four ground duels and three of five aerial duels, while also completing 63 of his 69 passes. The center back even registered two shots on target in an all action display.
Since joining Trabzonspor in January from Wolfsberger, Nwaiwu has featured in five matches and is yet to receive a booking, continuing to establish himself as a key figure in the team’s defence despite the narrow defeat.
