Paul Onuachu’s sensational acrobatic winner for Trabzonspor in their 2-1 win over Konyaspor in a Super Lig has been tipped to win the prestigious Puskas award, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Nigerian striker joined Trabzonspor in September after failing to register a goal or assist for the Southampton.
The tall striker was signed from Belgian side Genk for £18m by former Saints boss Nathan Jones but failed to make any impact on the south coast.
He was allowed to leave Saint Mary’s after new Southampton boss Russell Martin signing Ross Stewart from Sunderland and retained the services of Che Adams.
Since then, Onuachu has thrived in Turkish league scoring six goals in eight games with his latest a brace in Trabzonspor’s 2-1 win over Konyaspor, including an incredible winning effort.
The Nigerian striker opened scoring for Trabzonspor in the 59th minute but it was his second goal that stole the show after Louka Prip had drew Konyaspor level in the 77th minute.
Onuachu managed to pull his leg up to chest height and backheel an astonishing volley past goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni off a cross from Enis Destan.
The former Genk striker wheeled away in celebration and delivered a brilliant backflipping celebration after the wonder goal.
It was the first time Onuachu scored twice in a league match since January 2023 in the colours of Genk.
His wonder goal was big news in the European newspapers.
Sky Sports Italy likened Onuachu’s goal to the spectacular backheel volley Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Oliver Giroud scored in the past
Giroud scored a spectacular scorpion-kick goal against Crystal Palace in 2016 which won the FIFA Puskas Award for goal of the year in 2016 while Ibrahimovic also replicated such feat against Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon while playing for his country at Euro 2004.
“Onuachu with the scorpion goal for Trabzonspor,” Sky Sports Italy posted on X.
@Football__Tweet wrote on X,”Former Southampton striker Paul Onuachu channelling his inner Zlatan.”
Give Me Sport posted, “Paul Onuachu scores Puskas contender in Trabzonspor 2-1 Konyaspor.”
France’s Bein Sports also added, “Super Lig: An incredible Ibrahimovic-style goal for Onuachu!.”
Trabzonspor coach, Abdullah Avci, described Onuachu’s acrobatic goal as ‘Goal of the Year’ while his club believes his strike will win the Puskas Goal of the Year Award presented by FIFA.
“Oh my world, Paul Onuachu really scored a goal worthy of the Puskas award, this is the best goal in Europe so far this season,” Avci said.
“Paul Onuachu might have just won the 2023 Puskas Award with this goal for Trabzonspor,” further celebrated @AFCTrae
@ChampionsTV also added, “Paul Onuachu just scored this Puskas worthy goal. Nigerian strikers are on fire.”
