Nigeria international Paul Onuachu was the hero as his brace helped Trabzonspor beat Konyaspor 2-1 to clinch the Turkish Cup title in Friday’s final.
It was Trabzonspor’s first Turkish Cup title since 2020 and also their 10th since first winning the competition in 1977.
Also in action for Trabzonspor was Onuachu’s Nigerian counterpart Chibuike Nwaiwu, who played for 90 minutes while Anthony Nwakaeme was an unused substitute.
Onuachu Ends Goal Drought
Heading into the final against Konyaspor, Onuachu had failed to score in his last seven matches for Trabzonspor.
But the 31-year-old ended his goal drought as he opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a brilliant volley inside the box off a cross from the right wing.
But five minutes into the second half Konyaspor drew level thanks to a strike by Democratic Republic of Congo player Jackson Muleka.
In the 58th minute Konyaspor had the chance to go ahead for the first time in the game after they were awarded a penalty but Enis Bardhi missed his spot kick.
Onuachu Nets Winning Goal
Trabzonspor were awarded a penalty of their own and Onuachu made no mistake as he dispatched it to put his side 2-1 ahead.
Also Read: Trabzonspor Demand €15m For Onuachu
Onuachu has now secured his third Cup title in Europe, after securing the Danish and Belgian Cup titles with Midtjylland (2019) and Genk (2021)respectively.
He was joint-top scorer in the just concluded Turkish Super Lig, netting 22 goals and had two assists in 30 league matches.
Onuachu, Nwaiwu In Super Eagles Squads For Unity Cup, Poland, Portugal Friendlies
Meanwhile, Onuachu was included in the Super Eagles squad for next month’s double header friendly games with Poland and Portugal.
The Super Eagles will take on Poland in Warsaw on June 3 before facing 2026 FIFA World Cup-bound Portugal on June 10 in Leiria.
As for Nwaiwu, he made the cut for the Unity Cup where the Super Eagles will tackle Zimbabwe on May 26 in the first semi-final.
The winner between the Eagles and Zimbabwe will square off against Jamaica or India in the final.
By James Agberebi
