Just hours after Nigeria’s 24-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs dropped without his name, Paul Onuachu did what he has always done best: score goals.
Not words, not complaints — just goals.
In Trabzon, where the Black Sea Storm adore their towering Nigerian forward, Onuachu looked right at home again.
Paul Onuachu answers Super Eagles snub
Fifteen minutes into Trabzonspor’s clash with Alanyaspor, he received a tempting pass from Mustafa Eskihellac, danced past the defenders with calm control that didn’t match his big frame, and rolled the ball past the keeper.
One touch, one glance, one reminder — that he’s still here. He scored the opener in a 1–1 draw against Alanyaspor on Saturday, just after the announcement that omitted his name from Eric Chelle’s list.
It was the kind of finish that has become his trademark, and that was his eighth league goal of the season — a number that not only shows his consistency but also continues to seal his place as top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig.
Top scorer, still overlooked
The 31-year-old is seriously enjoying one of his most productive spells so far. The former Southampton forward was recently named the Turkish Super Lig Player of the Month for October, and his eight goals in 12 appearances make him the highest-scoring Nigerian across Europe’s major leagues.
So when his name was missing from the list of players heading to Morocco, fans didn’t waste time to react.
Many questioned how a striker in such blistering form could be overlooked — especially with Victor Osimhen the only other Super Eagles player in the same superb form with him.
This isn’t the first time Onuachu’s story has followed this pattern. He’s been here before — celebrated abroad, doubted at home.
Onuachu’s last outing in a Nigeria shirt came back in June during the World Cup qualifiers under former coach Finidi George, when the Super Eagles drew 1–1 with South Africa before losing 2–1 to Benin.
Since then, he has quietly rebuilt his confidence in Turkey, rediscovering the touch that once made him one of Europe’s most feared aerial threats.
Akinsanmiro also misses out
While Onuachu’s omission dominated headlines, another name missing from Chelle’s squad drew attention for different reasons—Ebenezer Akinsanmiro.
He’s young, gifted, and learning his trade at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, Inter Milan.
The Inter loanee, who has impressed with his composure and maturity in Italy — was also left out of the squad that will face Gabon in Rabat on November 13.
Instead, Chelle opted for a blend of experience and returning faces, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and winger Chidera Ejuke both recalled to the team.
Maybe his time will come — maybe not this month, not in Rabat when Nigeria faces Gabon for a ticket to the playoff final, but eventually.
The midfielder’s recent performance in Serie A has been steady, and if he keeps climbing, his call-up feels inevitable.
Morocco awaits: Super Eagles face make-or-mar playoff
The Super Eagles take on Gabon in the first semifinal of the 2026 World Cup playoff at Stade Prince Héritier Moulay Hassan in Rabat, with a place in the final—and a shot at the intercontinental playoff—on the line.
A victory would set up a decisive clash against either Cameroon or DR Congo three days later.
After missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Super Eagles are desperate to return to the global stage, and for many Nigerians, this tournament is about redemption after narrowly missing automatic qualification last month.
Super Eagles squad for World Cup playoffs
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye
Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Sanusi Zaidu, Benjamin Fredrick
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, Olakunle Olusegun, Samuel Chukwueze
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