‘He’s a fighter’ – Southampton coach lauds Paul Onuachu after first goal

By Monsurah Olatunji

Southampton head coach Ivan Juric has praised Nigeria international Paul Onuachu following his first goal for the club in their thrilling 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Onuachu, who had struggled to adapt to the Premier League after his summer 2023 move from Genk, broke his long goal drought by netting his first goal for the Saints.

The striker had previously been loaned to Trabzonspor, where he regained his form, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists.

His return to Southampton has been marked by a renewed determination to prove himself, and his goal against Forest could signal a turning point for both the player and the team.

Despite Southampton’s loss, Juric expressed optimism about Onuachu’s potential impact on the team’s survival fight in the Premier League. The coach highlighted the striker’s qualities and his determination to succeed.

“I think Paul has quality. He wants to score, he is a fighter. This is the quality, and I want players with quality. I think Paul can give us a lot,” Juric said after the match.

After his effort, Onuachu could be a key player for Southampton in their battle to maintain their Premier League status.