2024 Puskás Award: Paul Onuachu grateful to Trabzonspor’s fans

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigeria international Paul Onuachu has expressed deep gratitude towards Trabzonspor’s supporters following the nomination of one of his goals for the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award.

The 30-year-old striker’s stunning acrobatic backheel goal against Konyaspor last season has earned a place in the shortlist for the award, which recognizes the most spectacular goals of the year.

Scored in the 85th minute of the match, Onuachu’s strike helped seal a dramatic 2-1 victory for Trabzonspor, and it has since been hailed as one of the best goals of the season.

Onuachu, who had joined Southampton in January 2023 after a standout campaign with KRC Genk, where he netted 17 goals and provided 4 assists in 25 games, found himself spending the 2023 season on loan at Trabzonspor due to struggles at the Premier League club.

Despite a difficult stint at Southampton, where he failed to score in 12 appearances, Onuachu is full of appreciation for his time at Trabzonspor, where he rediscovered his form.

“I had wonderful days there. I always felt the incredible support of the fans. Their contribution to my success is great,” Onuachu said in an interview reported by the Turkish publication 61saat.

As his Puskás Award-nominated goal enters the final selection, Onuachu faces stiff competition from other footballing stars, including Mohammed Kudus and Alejandro Garnacho, whose goals have also made it to the shortlist.

Nevertheless, Onuachu’s gratitude toward Trabzonspor’s fans remains a significant highlight of his career journey.