Trabzonspor defender Nwaiwu praises defensive work after Besiktas victory

Chibuike Nwaiwu says Trabzonspor’s improved defensive organisation has been central to their strong start under Thomas Reis after a 2-0 victory over Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig.

The Super Eagles defender started Monday’s match at Papara Park as Trabzonspor recorded their fourth consecutive win under head coach Reis. The result also earned them another three points and moved them to 16 points after eight rounds.

Ozan Tufan put the hosts ahead in the 21st minute before Mohamed Salah added a second goal in the 71st minute. Nwaiwu helped Trabzonspor prevent Besiktas from scoring as his side held on to claim a significant victory against a high-quality opponent.

“First of all, we can say that it was a very difficult match for us. We played against a very good team. We scored two goals and then won, we are leaving with three points,” Nwaiwu said, as quoted by A Spor.

The centre-back also attributed Trabzonspor’s recent defensive record to the work the players have done collectively, while acknowledging the contribution of their goalkeeper.

“One of the reasons we conceded so few goals is that we have been working on formations as a team. Our goalkeeper is also helping us a lot in this regard,” he added.

Trabzonspor’s latest success lifted them one point clear of Besiktas, who remain on 15 points following the eighth round of the Turkish Super Lig.

Despite the impressive run of results, Nwaiwu said the team must maintain its effort if it is to compete for the league title. He warned that winning the championship would require sustained work over the course of the season.

“We will go through very big stages to become champions. We know that becoming champions comes through very hard work,” he concluded.