Paul Onuachu’s top scorer status in the Turkish Super Lig has Nigerians buzzing like it’s the World Cup final, with the towering striker holding a slim lead in the 2025/2026 season that’s got everyone from Lagos to Abuja glued to their screens.
At 31, this Nigerian forward for Trabzonspor isn’t just scoring – he’s rewriting the script on what a comeback story looks like. Fresh off a break for the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, Onuachu has netted 16 goals in 19 matches, putting him one ahead of Uzbekistan’s Eldor Shomurodov on 15.
And get this: he’s leaped past countryman Victor Osimhen, who’s sitting seventh with nine goals for Galatasaray. It’s a quiet flex that’s exploding online, especially after his latest strike – a towering header in a 3-2 loss to Fenerbahçe last weekend. That was his fifth headed goal of the season, helping Trabzonspor claim the league’s best tally in that department with 12 overall.
I remember chatting with a few die-hard Super Eagles fans in a Lagos bar last month, and Onuachu’s name barely came up amid the Osimhen hype. But now? It’s all anyone talks about.
One post from a Nigerian sports page racked up thousands of shares: “Paul Onuachu surpassing Victor Osimhen? Chef’s kiss to that aerial magic!”
Another fan quipped, “Osimhen’s the king of flair, but Onuachu’s the quiet assassin. Who’s your pick now?” The rivalry’s friendly, but it’s stirring up that good old Nigerian passion for football debates.
Onuachu’s journey to this point reads like a script from a Nollywood underdog flick. Born in Owerri, Onuachu gained his experience at Midtjylland in Denmark before making a significant transfer to Southampton in the Premier League.
Things soured there – injuries and bench time led to a loan back to Belgium, then a fresh start with Trabzonspor last summer. Who could’ve guessed he’d turn into the league’s deadliest finisher? His stats tell the tale: 16 goals from 19 games, including screamers from crosses that make defenders look small.
Shomurodov, playing for Fenerbahce, is breathing down his neck with 15, but Onuachu’s consistency – scoring in bunches – has him in pole position for the golden boot.
That Fenerbahçe goal? Pure poetry. In the 68th minute, with Trabzonspor trailing, a pinpoint corner found his forehead like it was meant to be. The ball rocketed past the keeper, pulling one back in a match that ended in heartbreak for his side.
Even in defeat, it was a moment that screamed, “I’m here.” Fans back home erupted – videos of street celebrations in Enugu popped up everywhere, with kids mimicking his leap in dusty pitches.
This isn’t just about numbers; it’s a boost for Nigerian football at a time when the Super Eagles are rebuilding post-AFCON. Osimhen’s still the face – his speed and skill light up Galatasaray – but Onuachu’s rise shows depth in the talent pool.
Analysts are already whispering about a record: only Osimhen has led the Süper Lig scoring as a Nigerian before, and Onuachu’s on track to join that club if he holds the line. With 12 matches left, pressure’s mounting. Trabzonspor’s chasing a top-four spot for Europe, and every goal from their big man counts.
Over in Turkey, the local press is calling him a “goal machine”, crediting his 6’7″ frame for turning set pieces into sure things. Teammates rave about his work rate off the ball too – pressing like a man half his size. Back in Nigeria, it’s personal.
Families are naming kids after him (okay, maybe not yet), but the pride’s real. One mum told a radio show, “My boy’s poster is coming down – Paul’s going up!” It’s that kind of wave carrying him.
Of course, it’s not all smooth. The loss to Fenerbahçe stung, dropping Trabzonspor to fifth, but Onuachu’s tally keeps the dream alive. Shomurodov could tie him next weekend against Adana Demirspor, and Osimhen’s got a grudge match coming up.
For Nigerians, though, this feels like vindication. We’ve got stars shining abroad, proving the green-white-green runs deep.
As February heats up – Valentine’s just passed, but football’s the real romance – eyes are on Onuachu. Will he clinch that top spot? Lift Trabzonspor to glory? Or inspire the next generation back home?
One thing’s clear: from the streets of Owerri to Istanbul’s roar, Paul Onuachu’s story is the one everyone’s chasing right now. And Nigeria’s loving every minute.
