Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu will miss Trabzonspor’s crucial Turkish Super Lig showdown against Besiktas next week after receiving a suspension-triggering yellow card..
The in-form forward has been pivotal for the Black Sea Storm this season, delivering 11 goals and one assist in 15 league appearances accounting for nearly 40% of the club’s total goals.
His influence has helped propel Trabzonspor to second place in the league with 34 points from 15 matches.
Onuachu featured in the team’s recent away win over high-flying Göztepe, putting in a solid performance despite not registering a goal contribution.
However, he entered the fixture on a disciplinary tightrope, having accumulated three yellow cards. A fourth booking would trigger an automatic one-match ban and that caution arrived in the 76th minute following a reckless foul.
As a result, the Nigerian striker will be unavailable for Trabzonspor’s high-stakes encounter against rivals Besiktas on Sunday, a significant blow for Abdullah Avcı’s side.
AFCON 2025: Onuachu’s Chances Still in Doubt
Despite being the highest-scoring Nigerian striker in Europe this season, Onuachu’s place in Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad remains unclear.
Earlier reports indicated he is among the high-profile players likely to miss out under new head coach Eric Chelle.
Chelle has consistently overlooked the towering forward, leaving him out of the national team squad for the last three international windows a pattern that suggests the coach may stick to his existing plans with the tournament fast approaching.
However, Onuachu’s suspension could work in his favor. With no club commitments next week, the striker would be free to join the Super Eagles’ training camp early if selected.
Nigeria will face Egypt in a preparatory friendly next week, and early arrival could boost his chances of involvement.
Chelle is expected to announce his final AFCON squad in the coming days, and Onuachu will be hoping his stellar club form and newfound availability tip the balance in his favor.
