Trabzonspor midfielder Ozan Tufan praised Paul Onuachu’s impressive display at makeshift centre-back during their 2-1 victory over Goztepe on Sunday, SportPremi reports.
The Nigerian striker was forced to play as an emergency defender after a red card to Wagner Pina in the 78th minute, as they battled to the victory in a feisty clash.
The Super Eagles forward who has been impressive in the opposition box this season, put in a superb defensive performance in the final 12 minutes of the clash on Sunday.
Onuachu has netted 11 times in the Turkish league this season, one more than second-placed Eldor Shomurodov who plays for Istanbul Basaksehir.
Trabzonspor moved up to second on the standings with the victory with 34 points, two behind champions Galatasaray who lead the standings.
Onuachu stars for Trabzonspor against Goztepe
Trabzonspor started the game on the front foot, but missed several chances to take an early lead in the clash.
The visitors were denied a goal after another chance was cleared off the line, before Andre Onana made a brilliant stop to keep them on level terms.
Ernest Muci broke the deadlock immediately after the interval, scoring from the second attempt after his initial effort was saved to put the away side one-goal ahead.
Goztepe pushed for an equalizer, but were denied three times in succession by Trabzonspor defenders who cleared off the line on all three occasions.
Onuachu received a yellow card for an unintentional elbow, before Muci grabbed his second of the game after his effort beat the goalkeeper from inside the area.
Pina was sent off for a last-man tackle in the 78th minute, as Onuachu was deployed to deputize in the back four.
The home side pulled a goal back late on through Anthony Dennis, before Rhaldney was sent off for a second bookable offense late on.
Tufan hails Onuachu’s performance
Speaking after the clash, Ozan Tufan praised his side’s resilience and singled out Onuachu for praise after the striker shone in an unusual position.
“We fought very well even down to 10 men. We were happy that Onuachu came in to help in defence and that our other teammates saw this and contributed. I think we’ve established a very good atmosphere as a city and a team”, the Trabzonspor midfielder said.
It was an impressive performance from Paul Onuachu, whose eyes will be on making Nigeria’s final squad for the 2025 African Cup of Nations later this month.
Before then, the forward will return to action with Trabzonspor when they go against Besiktas next Sunday.
