Paul Onuachu remains one of the most prolific Nigerian forwards abroad, currently topping the Turkish Süper Lig scoring charts for Trabzonspor.
Yet, despite his consistent goal-scoring, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has rarely considered him a central striking option.
How Paul Onuachu’s defensive shift could aid the Super Eagles
Even as he continues to display impressive finishing in Turkey, Onuachu’s omission from the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and playoffs came as a shock to many.
However, Trabzonspor’s recent 2–1 win over Göztepe offered a fascinating glimpse into a different side of Onuachu — one that could prove more useful to the Super Eagles in Morocco.
After Trabzonspor were reduced to ten men, the towering forward was deployed as a makeshift centre-back for over 20 minutes.
In that short spell, Onuachu excelled defensively: he won 13 duels, made 10 clearances, executed 11 headed clearances, and contributed decisively across the backline.
Onuachu’s form at Trabzonspor and its value to the Super Eagles
His performance combined discipline, grit, and aerial dominance, showing a versatility rarely associated with a striker of his stature.
This unexpected role raises an intriguing question for Chelle: could Onuachu provide more than just goals for Nigeria?
While he has been quietly rebuilding form in Turkey—scoring eleven goals in 15 appearances and earning Player of the Month honours—his defensive display suggests a strategic dimension that could be exploited in high-pressure situations.
For instance, when games are tight or the team needs to shore up at the back in the latter stages, Onuachu’s height, positioning, and composure could offer an added layer of tactical flexibility.
It is worth noting that Onuachu’s scoring ability remains unquestionable. At the end of last month, he reminded fans why he is feared in the Turkish league, netting a brace in a 3–1 win over Konyaspor.
The goals reaffirmed his reputation as a consistent threat in front of goal, and that earned him a spot on Chelle’s provisional list for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.
For the Super Eagles, this duality could become an asset. In a tournament setting like AFCON, where narrow margins often define success, having a player who can contribute in attack and adapt defensively offers Chelle an alternative when the game demands it.
Onuachu’s recent deployment in Trabzonspor’s backline may not redefine his career, but it certainly adds a compelling advantage to his profile — and gives the Super Eagles a potential weapon to deploy creatively in critical moments.
Whether Chelle decides to explore this option remains to be seen, but Onuachu’s versatility — proven under the pressure of European competition — could become one of Nigeria’s hidden advantages when the stakes are highest.
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