Paul Onuachu’s recent goal drought has not changed Turkish pundit Özden Ayvaz’s view of the Trabzonspor striker.
Ayvaz continues to regard the Nigerian as an outstanding finisher, even though he admits Onuachu has struggled to reproduce his best form this season.
The discussion followed Trabzonspor’s impressive 4-0 victory over Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig, where Onuachu began the match on the bench before entering in the second half.
Ayvaz questioned the decision to use the forward as a substitute and jokingly wondered whether Onuachu had a contractual obligation to feature in every match.
“Onuachu is a great goalscorer, but the truth is he’s out of form… Is there a clause in his contract that says he has to play in every match?” he said on the Sports Hour programme, as reported by 61saat.
Trabzonspor had little difficulty dealing with Galatasaray and maintained their control of the game after Onuachu came on.
The visitors were already facing a difficult evening and their situation worsened when Lesley Ugochukwu was sent off following a VAR review. Galatasaray also missed the services of injured Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen.
Onuachu’s own numbers have been modest this season. He has found the net twice in eight appearances, with both goals coming in Trabzonspor’s 5-0 demolition of Genclerbirligi.
Nevertheless, Ayvaz believes the striker deserves recognition for more than just his recent goal tally.
“He really is a great goalscorer. He came into the game with great enthusiasm and a smile. I really like Onuachu’s goalscoring ability and his demeanour on the field,” the pundit added.
Ayvaz also shared an amusing story about Onuachu’s reputation among people connected to Istanbul rivals Fenerbahçe.
He said friends who are close to Fenerbahçe president Aziz Yıldırım have jokingly asked him to give them the Nigerian striker.
“They jokingly tell me: ‘Just give us Onuachu…’ They know the value of our players much better than we do,” Ayvaz said.
Onuachu was not included in Nigeria’s squad for the forthcoming games against Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau.
The international break will give the striker time to regroup before returning to club action, where he will look to improve his scoring record and regain the form that has earned him praise in Turkey.
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