Paul Onuachu and Chibuike Nwaiwu got on the scoresheet as Trabzonspor claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win over league leaders Galatasaray, who were without Victor Osimhen due to injury, in Saturday’s Turkish League encounter.
Osimhen suffered a broken arm during the Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash against Liverpool last month and was ruled out of the clash.
It was his Super Eagles teammates who grabbed headlines as Onuachu and Nwaiwu both scored in the same game for the second time this year to give their side the win.
Trabzonspor moved up to second on the standings, one point behind Galatasaray who have a game in hand.
Super Eagles duo shine in Osimhen’s absence
Trabzonspor were winless in the last nine meetings between both teams, but went into the clash in very fine form and had a chance of breaking that duck.
It took them just four minutes to open the scoring as the in-form Onuachu headed home a superb cross from Wagner Pina, who showed great technique to beat two defenders on the byline.
It was the Super Eagles forward 22nd league goal of the campaign as he edged closer to the golden boot award.
Anthony Nwakaeme and Felipe Augusto then went close for Trabzonspor, but both players narrowly missed the target with good attempts.
Onuachu scored once again on the stroke of halftime, but it was ruled out for an offside in the buildup as the hosts went into the break 1-0 up.
Galatasaray equalized just three minutes after the restart as Wilfried Singo finished off a good move to make the scoreline 1-1.
Trabzonspor went back ahead just after the hour mark as another Nigerian got on the scoresheet this time around.
Nwaiwu, who had made his senior national team debut during the internationals break, headed home into the corner after a freekick delivery from Nwakaeme.
Despite several attempts from both sides to add to the scoreline, it remained 2-1 as Trabzonspor claimed their 19th league win of the campaign.
The Claret-Blues moved up to second ahead of Fenerbahce, who are in action against Besiktas on Sunday, while Galatasaray remained top of the standings but have a game in hand.
What Next?
Trabzonspor will next be in action on Saturday when they face Alanyaspor, while Galatasaray will hope to have Osimhen back for their clash against Goztepe on Wednesday.
