Onuachu poised to become first Nigerian at Trabzonspor as Fenerbahçe eyes the Super Eagles star

Nigeria international Paul Onuachu is on the brink of making history for Trabzonspor as the club prepares for its final Turkish Süper Lig match against Gençlerbirliği this weekend, according to Afrik-Foot.

The towering Super Eagles striker enters the last game of the season leading the race for the league’s top scorer with 22 goals. If he finishes on top after the final round, Onuachu will become the first Nigerian to win the Süper Lig Golden Boot while playing for Trabzonspor.

He would join a small group of club legends who have finished a season as the league’s top scorer. The previous five are Necmi Perekli, Hami Mandıralı, Fatih Tekke (the current Trabzonspor manager), Burak Yılmaz and Alexander Sörloth.

Onuachu now has the chance to become the sixth member of that exclusive group.

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu. Copyright: xVincentxKalutxIMAGO

The former Genk forward has been one of the standout performers in Turkey this season, despite missing games through injury in recent weeks. His closest rival is Eldor Shomurodov of İstanbul Başakşehir, who sits just one goal behind with 21. Anderson Talisca of Fenerbahçe had also been in the race with 19 goals before an injury ended his season.

Trabzonspor supporters are expected to fill the stadium for the decisive clash against Gençlerbirliği, hoping for both a victory and for Onuachu to complete a historic campaign in front of the Black Sea club’s fans.

Several Nigerians have worn the Trabzonspor shirt over the years, including John Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi, Anthony Nwakaeme and Isaac Promise. Nwakaeme remains the club’s highest‑scoring Nigerian with 50 goals in 192 appearances, but even he never finished as the league’s top scorer. Onuachu is now just one match away from achieving that milestone.

Paul Onuachu, Anthony Nwakaeme and Chibuike Nwaiwu at Trabzonspor. (Credit: AF NG)

Fenerbahçe launch major move for Onuachu

While Onuachu prepares for a potentially historic evening in Trabzon, interest in the striker is growing ahead of the summer transfer window. Rivals Fenerbahçe have reportedly identified the Nigerian as their main attacking target after another frustrating title race against Galatasaray.

Reports in Turkey say Fenerbahçe are ready to make an aggressive offer to tempt Trabzonspor into selling their leading scorer. The proposed package is said to include around €10 million alongside Turkish internationals İsmail Yüksek and Oğuz Aydın.

The Istanbul giants believe Onuachu’s physical presence could transform their attack after a season in which they often dominated possession without converting enough chances. Standing at 6 ft 7 in, the Super Eagles forward has caused problems for defenders throughout the campaign with his aerial strength, hold‑up play and finishing inside the penalty area.

However, completing the transfer may prove extremely difficult. Trabzonspor signed Onuachu permanently from Southampton last summer on a long‑term deal and are believed to value him at around €15 million. The club are under little pressure to sell after his outstanding season.

Paul Onuachu celebrating with Trabzonspor. (Photo credit/Club X)

There is also an emotional side to the story. Onuachu has become a fan favourite in Trabzon and has repeatedly spoken about his happiness at the club. Earlier this year, the Nigerian striker said he wanted to continue winning trophies with Trabzonspor after building a strong bond with supporters.

The fierce rivalry between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahçe could become another major obstacle. Relations between both clubs have often been tense over the years, meaning the sale of the club’s leading striker directly to a domestic rival would likely trigger huge backlash from Trabzonspor fans.

Still, all attention remains on the final game of the season, where Onuachu could crown a remarkable year by becoming the first Nigerian ever to finish as Trabzonspor’s Süper Lig top scorer.