Nigerian forward Paul Onuachu is on fire this season, standing tall as the most prolific Nigerian player in Europe. While several of his compatriots are still trying to find rhythm in front of goal, the Trabzonspor striker has been unstoppable in the Turkish Super Lig.
With seven goals to his name after just ten league games, Onuachu currently leads the scoring chart in Turkey and among all Nigerian players across Europe. He’s ahead of Victor Osimhen, who has six goals for Galatasaray in both domestic and continental competitions this season.
Onuachu’s form isn’t just about numbers—it’s about quality too. The 31-year-old has already scooped the league’s Goal of the Month award twice, in August and September. His stunning overhead kick against Fatih Karagümrük on matchday seven didn’t just win that monthly accolade; it’s also being tipped as one of the contenders for Goal of the Season. Trabzonspor even celebrated his achievement with a special plaque capturing the moment of his breathtaking strike.
Before his scoring streak ended in Trabzonspor’s 2–0 victory over Eyüpspor, Onuachu had found the back of the net in four straight matches, tallying five goals and an assist during that run. He kicked off the campaign with goals against Kocaelispor and Samsunspor, setting the tone for a red-hot season.
Meanwhile, his compatriot Victor Osimhen has been hampered by fitness issues and a prolonged transfer saga. The Super Eagles star has three goals in the Turkish league and three more in the Champions League for Galatasaray.
Other Nigerian forwards haven’t matched Onuachu’s consistency either. Wolverhampton’s Tolu Arokodare has just one goal in seven appearances, while reigning African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, only broke his scoring drought recently with his first strike of the campaign against AC Milan—his delayed start caused by transfer uncertainties earlier in the season.
For Onuachu, though, Turkey seems to bring out the best in him. After a difficult spell in England where he managed only four goals in 25 appearances for Southampton, his move to Trabzonspor has completely revitalized his career. He first joined the club on loan during the 2023/24 season and immediately hit form, netting 15 goals and providing four assists in just 21 matches. His outstanding displays convinced the Turkish side to make the deal permanent this summer—a move that’s clearly paying off.
Despite not being a regular feature for the Nigerian national team, Onuachu’s club record speaks volumes. Across a decade-long journey spanning Denmark, Belgium, England, and now Turkey, he’s amassed an impressive 193 goals and 27 assists in 389 appearances.
The last time he claimed a major personal accolade was in 2021, when he won Belgium’s Golden Shoe after a record-breaking 33-goal season. If his current form continues, Onuachu could well be on track for another individual honour—this time in Turkey.
