'I know what I can do' - Galatasaray's Gabon star insists no special plan for Onuachu

Speaking after Galatasaray's goalless draw against Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday evening, Gabon international Mario Lemina dismissed suggestions that he had prepared specifically to stop Paul Onuachu from finding the net.

The towering Nigerian striker entered the contest at Rams Park as the Super Lig's leading scorer this season with seven goals to his name. 

Onuachu was kept unusually quiet throughout the encounter, failing to register a single shot on target, an indication that Lemina won the personal battle against Trabzonspor's No. 30.

The former Southampton and Juventus midfielder, deployed in a deeper role, was among the standout performers.

Lemina recorded a game-high five tackles and a team-best five clearances, while making an interception and blocking one shot. 

When asked if he had undertaken any special preparation to contain Onuachu, Lemina was quick to downplay the idea, instead emphasising faith in his own strengths and collective preparation.

Lemina told reporters: " "I only know my own strengths. I know what I can do in duels. 

“We did our team preparations and went out on the field. I'm just unhappy that we couldn't win.”

After scoring in four consecutive matches in the Super Lig, Onuachu has failed to find the net in back-to-back matches against Eyupspor and Galatasaray.

With the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers playoffs fast approaching, the Nigerian could soon renew acquaintances with Lemina if both are called up for the high-stakes clash between Nigeria and Gabon.

The FC Ebedei product has not featured for the Super Eagles since June 10, 2024, when he came on as a second-half substitute in the qualifier against Benin’s Cheetahs.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: Trabzonspor 

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