Paul Onuachu scored twice as Trabzonspor defeated Konyaspor 2-1 to win the Turkish Cup in Antalya on Friday night.
The Nigerian striker produced another influential display for the Black Sea club, opening the scoring in the first half before converting a late penalty to secure the trophy and cap an impressive season in Turkey.
Onuachu entered the final as the main attacking threat for Trabzonspor and quickly justified the attention surrounding him. The towering forward gave his side the lead in the 18th minute after taking advantage of uncertain defending inside the Konyaspor area.
Trabzonspor controlled much of the opening half and appeared on course for victory before the match shifted shortly after the restart.
Jackson Muleka equalised for Konyaspor in the 50th minute, reviving the contest and forcing Trabzonspor to respond in a tense and fiercely fought final.
With extra time becoming a possibility, Onuachu once again proved decisive for his side.
The Nigerian international calmly converted a penalty in the 79th minute to restore Trabzonspor’s lead and ultimately secure the Turkish Cup title.
His performance earned him the man of the match award after another standout display in a season that has established him as one of the leading forwards in Turkish football.
The two-goal display added to an already remarkable campaign for Onuachu, who has emerged as Trabzonspor’s central attacking figure throughout the season.
The striker is currently the top scorer in the Turkish Süper Lig with 22 goals, underlining his importance to the club’s domestic success.
Friday’s victory also carried additional significance for Trabzonspor, as lifting the Turkish Cup secured qualification for European competition next season.
The achievement represents a major boost for the club and rewards a campaign in which Onuachu’s goals have repeatedly delivered important results.
Trabzonspor relied heavily on the Nigerian forward during the cup run and once again he produced when the stakes were highest.
His opening goal settled nerves early in the final, while his composed penalty late in the second half ensured the trophy would return with the Black Sea side.
The final in Antalya drew considerable attention because of Onuachu’s form heading into the match, and the striker responded with a performance that reinforced his growing reputation in Turkey.
Having already established himself as the league’s leading scorer, the Nigerian added silverware to his season with a decisive contribution in the cup final.
Trabzonspor will now turn their attention towards next season’s European campaign, buoyed by the form of a striker who continues to deliver on the biggest occasions.
