‘If you're playing with Onuachu, you're a man down’ — Turkish football expert warns Super Eagles

Paul Onuachu may be firing on all cylinders in Turkey, but not everyone is convinced about his all-round game.

Turkish football analyst Erdal Hoş has raised concerns about the Super Eagles striker’s tactical limitations, despite his impressive goal return for Trabzonspor.

Since sealing a €5.7 million move from Southampton, Onuachu has been in sensational form in the Süper Lig.

The 31-year-old has scored 16 goals and provided one assist in just 19 league appearances, playing a pivotal role in Trabzonspor’s climb to third place with 45 points from 22 matches.

Renowned for his towering presence, Onuachu has also showcased technical quality, netting several spectacular goals this season. His clinical finishing has made him the focal point of the Black Sea Storm’s attack and a key figure in their title ambitions.

Coach Fatih Tekke has built his system around the Nigerian forward’s strengths, ensuring he remains central to the team’s offensive play.

However, Erdal Hoş believes Onuachu’s strengths come with significant trade-offs.

“If you're playing with Onuachu, you're a man down in defense,” Hoş said. “You can't pressure with Onuachu, and when you do, he finds space easily. Onuachu loses the ball a lot with his back turned.”

The analyst argued that while Onuachu is a “great goal-scorer,” teams using him must compensate with energetic midfielders and wingers capable of handling pressing duties.

Despite the criticism, Onuachu remains indispensable to Trabzonspor and will aim to keep delivering goals as the club pushes for domestic glory.