Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu scored his first two goals in Turkish football while Paul Onuachu registered a goal and an assist in Trabzonspor’s 3-1 victory over Fatih Karagümrük in the Süper Lig on Friday.
Onuachu opened the scoring in the 20th minute after Ozan Tufan found space on the right wing and delivered a precise cross into the box. The tall striker rose highest to head home and extend his lead at the top of the league’s scoring chart to 18 goals.
Fatih Karagümrük responded before halftime through Italian forward Daniele Verde, who found the equaliser to send both teams into the break level.
Trabzonspor regained control early in the second half through their dominance at set pieces. In the 47th minute, Tufan flicked on a corner at the near post and Nwaiwu reacted quickly at the far post to score with a diving header. Just three minutes later, another corner caused problems for the visitors. Onuachu directed a flicked header across goal and Nwaiwu was again in the right position to apply the finishing touch and complete his brace.
Chibuike Nwaiwu, who joined Trabzonspor from Austrian side Wolfsberger in January after previously playing for Enyimba, has started all nine league matches since his arrival. The defender has helped the team secure seven wins and suffer only one defeat in that run.
He delivered an outstanding individual performance before being substituted in the 73rd minute for Mathias Løvik. Nwaiwu recorded nine ball recoveries, won all of his aerial duels, had 117 touches and completed 100 of his 105 passes. Both of his shots on target resulted in goals.
Onuachu played the full 90 minutes, finishing with two shots on target, 33 touches and 17 successful passes from 20 attempts.
The result moves Trabzonspor to within four points of league leaders Galatasaray and two points behind second placed Fenerbahçe. Their next fixture is in the Turkish Cup against İstanbul Başakşehir on Tuesday.
