“Fans will be happy” — Paul Onuachu dedicates first Southampton goal to supporters

By Monsurah Olatunji

Southampton forward Paul Onuachu has expressed deep gratitude to the club’s supporters after scoring his first goal for the team in their 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

The Nigerian international marked his first goal in 658 days, having made his Premier League debut for the Saints in February 2023 against Brentford.

Onuachu, who has faced a lengthy goal drought, dedicated the moment to the loyal fans who have supported him since his arrival at Southampton two years ago.

Despite struggling to find the net in his first season, Onuachu’s confidence was revived during a successful loan spell at Trabzonspor, where he scored 17 goals and provided four assists.

In the 58th minute, with Southampton trailing 3-0, Onuachu came on as a substitute and played a pivotal role in a spirited comeback.

He assisted Lesley Ugochukwu with a well-placed knock-down, which led to an own goal off Jan Bednarek. Onuachu then scored the Saints’ second goal in stoppage time, meeting a perfect corner from Mateus Fernandes with a powerful header into the top corner, offering a glimmer of hope for the visitors.

Reflecting on his performance, Onuachu said: “For me, when I came on, he just said ‘Paul, go fight, try to keep the ball’ and I just did what he asked me.

“Of course, the whole team in the second half, they were full of energy, Lesley was brilliant again, an amazing player to watch.”

Though disappointed by the loss, Onuachu took solace in his goal, adding: “It was disappointing that we lose, but of course as a striker, you have confidence that you get the first goal for Saints and I think the fans will be happy for me.”