Fifa Puskas award: Onuachu nominated for spectacular backheel goal against Konyaspor

Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu has been nominated for the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award following his stunning match-winning goal for Trabzonspor during their 2-1 victory over Konyaspor last season.

Onuachu's moment of brilliance came in the 85th minute when Enis Destan delivered a cross from the left. 

The towering striker maneuvered his body in an extraordinary display of athleticism to score with a flying backheel, leaving fans and pundits in awe.

The Nigerian international had earlier opened the scoring for Trabzonspor in the 59th minute, but Louka Prip equalized for Konyaspor in the 77th minute. 

Onuachu's audacious goal sealed the win for the Black Sea Storm and now stands among eleven wonder strikes shortlisted for the award.

The Puskás Award, named in honor of legendary Hungarian striker Ferenc Puskás, celebrates the most spectacular goals in football. 

The qualifying period for this year's nominations spanned from August 21, 2023, to August 10, 2024.

Onuachu will compete against ten other nominees, including high-profile players like Alejandro Garnacho, Federico Dimarco, Jaden Philogene, and Mohammed Kudus. 

Other nominees include Hassan Al Haydos, Terry Antonis, Yassine Benzia, Walter Bou, Michaell Chirinos, and Denis Omedi.

This nomination serves as a major career highlight for Onuachu, who has faced challenges with limited playing time since returning to Southampton after his loan spell in Turkey.

 He has made just one start this season, coming against Liverpool, but this recognition could reignite his momentum.

Onuachu, renowned for his scoring attribute, famously scored the fastest goal in Super Eagles history, just 10 seconds into a friendly against Egypt in 2019. 

Now, he has the chance to make history once again by becoming the first Nigerian to win the Puskás Award.

The winner will be determined through a combination of fan votes, and football enthusiasts around the world will eagerly anticipate the outcome.

Adeyemi Adewale

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