Paul Onuachu, Chibuike Nwaiwu and Nwakaeme Make History in Trabzonspor Cup Triumph
Paul Onuachu delivered a match-winning performance as Trabzonspor defeated Konyaspor 2-1 on Friday night to lift the Turkish Cup for the 10th time in the club’s history.
The Nigerian striker scored both goals in a tense final to hand Trabzonspor a memorable victory and cap off an impressive campaign in Turkey.
Paul Onuachu Leads Trabzonspor To Turkish Cup Glory
It was also a special night for fellow Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, who secured his first trophy with the Black Sea Storm after a disciplined display at the back.
Paul Onuachu wasted little time making his mark on the final. The Super Eagles forward fired Trabzonspor ahead in the 18th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area.
Konyaspor responded strongly and found an equaliser before the hour mark to put the game back in the balance. However, Onuachu stepped up again when it mattered most.
The former Southampton striker calmly converted a penalty in the 79th minute to restore Trabzonspor’s lead and seal victory in front of jubilant supporters.
The brace ended Onuachu’s recent goal drought and underlined his importance to the Turkish side since arriving last summer. The 31-year-old finished the season with 22 league goals, two assists, and four goals in the Turkish Cup.
His overall contribution of 28 goal involvements across all competitions has made him one of the club’s standout performers this season.
Chibuike Nwaiwu and Anthony Nwakaeme Share Emotional Night
While Onuachu grabbed the headlines, Chibuike Nwaiwu also played a key role in Trabzonspor’s triumph.
The Nigerian defender produced a composed performance to help the team withstand late pressure from Konyaspor.
Nwaiwu, who previously featured for Wolfsberger AC, celebrated his first major trophy with the Turkish club after helping them secure another important clean defensive display for most of the contest.
The final also marked an emotional farewell for veteran Nigerian forward Anthony Nwakaeme.
The 37-year-old is expected to leave Trabzonspor this summer after the club decided against extending his contract. It brings an end to his second spell with the team under manager Fatih Tekke.
Anthony Nwakaeme remains a fan favourite after enjoying several successful years with Trabzonspor between 2018 and 2022.
During that period, he helped the club win the Turkish Super Lig, Turkish Cup, and Turkish Super Cup.
Friday’s final was the third meeting between Trabzonspor and Konyaspor this season. Trabzonspor won the first encounter 3-1 before Konyaspor claimed a 2-1 victory in their previous clash last month.
With Paul Onuachu delivering in the biggest game of the season and Chibuike Nwaiwu lifting his first trophy,
Trabzonspor ended their campaign on a memorable high while Anthony Nwakaeme bowed out with another medal added to his successful career.
