National Teams
Paul Onuachu opens up on healthy rivalry with Victor Osimhen
Nigeria striker Paul Onuachu has hailed his healthy rivalry with compatriot Victor Osimhen, saying their friendly competition has inspired both forwards to reach greater heights while representing Nigeria and their respective clubs.
The Trabzonspor star enjoyed the finest league campaign of his career during the 2025/26 season, scoring 22 goals in 30 Turkish Super Lig appearances to finish as the division’s joint-top scorer alongside İstanbul Başakşehir striker Eldor Shomurodov.
Onuachu’s remarkable goalscoring exploits came a season after Osimhen claimed the Super Lig Golden Boot following a sensational debut campaign with Galatasaray.
Although injuries and international commitments restricted Osimhen to fewer league appearances last season, the Nigerian striker remained the driving force behind Galatasaray’s successful title defence, contributing goals or assists in each of his final 12 league matches.
Despite regularly competing for individual honours, Onuachu insists the relationship between the two Super Eagles stars is built on mutual respect rather than rivalry.
“There will always be competition. Competition adds something to you. There are important strikers like Osimhen in the league. Last year I managed to become the top scorer,” Onuachu was quoted as saying by 61Saat.
The 31-year-old revealed that both players celebrate each other’s achievements, highlighting the strong bond they share despite competing for the same accolades.
“We both congratulate each other. When one of us achieves success, we congratulate each other. I called and spoke to them when they won the league.
“It’s a good thing to play and compete with someone from the same country. When he wins, I congratulate him, and when I win, he congratulates me.”
The comments underline the unity within the Super Eagles camp, where competition for places has continued to raise standards rather than create divisions.
Onuachu is currently preparing for the new season with Trabzonspor and was involved in training at the club’s preseason camp in Schladming, Austria, ahead of Thursday’s friendly against Qatari champions Al Sadd.
Having enjoyed the most prolific campaign of his career, the towering forward will be aiming to maintain his impressive form as Trabzonspor look to challenge for domestic honours once again, while also strengthening his case for a regular starting role with the Super Eagles alongside Osimhen.
