Konyaspor strike nominated for Puskas award or Karagumruk stunner? Onuachu picks the better goal

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has downplayed suggestions that his acrobatic strike in Trabzonspor’s thrilling 4-3 win over Fatih Karagümrük was his finest goal for the Turkish side, instead naming his effort against Konyaspor as the standout of his career at the club.

Onuachu, who netted a brace at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium on Saturday, opened his first in the 35th minute with a stunning acrobatic finish from a Wagner Pina cross.

The goal quickly gained traction among fans and pundits, with many tipping it as a contender for goal of the season.

Speaking after the game, Onuachu disagreed that it is best he has scored for the club, picking his strike against Konyaspor as the best he scored for the club.

"I watched the goal I scored again. It's good that you reminded me, I also remembered the goal I scored against Konyaspor," he told Milliyet.

"I need to look at both of them, but I can say that the goal I scored against Konyaspor is better than the goal I scored today.”

During his initial loan spell at Trabzonspor in the 2023/2024 season, Onuachu produced a spectacular scorpion kick goal from close range to hand his side a 2-1 victory over Konyaspor.

That strike later earned a nomination for the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award at the FIFA Best Player ceremony.

Reflecting on the strike, Onuachu described it as a more advanced effort, one that required him to make a split-second decision.

"If I had to describe the goal, it was an instinctive one because I had to make a decision," he added.

"I believed the move was the right one. It was a split-second decision, actually. It was a good shot, and a good goal, but I need to reconsider which goal was the best.

"But the goal against Konyaspor seems a bit more advanced. I'll make my decision after watching it again."

Since rejoining Trabzonspor, the towering striker has rediscovered his scoring touch, registering five goals in seven league appearances.

The Nigerian International will be delighted with his resurgence after a difficult stint at Southampton in the Premier League.

However, the 31-year-old will be keen to maintain his fine form and boost his chances of earning a recall to the Super Eagles squad ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.

Adeyemi Adewale

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com