Nigeria’s Super Eagles striker, Paul Onuachu, has reiterated his confidence in the team’s ability to compete with any team in world football, insisting Nigeria still has world-class players despite missing out on qualification for the upcoming World Cup.
The Trabzonspor skillful striker made the remarks ahead of Nigeria’s international friendlies against Poland and Portugal, with the team using the fixtures to strengthen cohesion and measure themselves against top European opposition.
He acknowledged the disappointment of failing to qualify but stressed that the squad’s quality remains intact.
Reflecting on the setback, Onuachu admitted it was painful for the group but insisted football moves on and the focus is now on future challenges.
Sad we’re missing the World Cup because we have good players, great players, world-class players, but unfortunately we’re missing the World Cup, but it’s football,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of team spirit and the value of returning to camp to work with his teammates ahead of important international matches.
So, it’s always nice to come around the team and, you know, meet the boys again, and of course we are ready, prepared, and we have the quality to play against any team in the world, and then hopefully we’re going to show it against Portugal,” he added.
Onuachu reflected on his revival at Trabzonspor after a difficult spell at Southampton, where he scored just four goals in 36 appearances.
He initially joined Trabzonspor on loan in 2023 and scored 15 goals in 21 league matches, quickly rediscovering his form.
Paul Onuachu later finished as joint-top scorer in the 2025/2026 Turkish Süper Lig, winning the Golden Boot with 22 goals in 30 appearances for Trabzonspor.
Reflecting on his success in Turkey, Onuachu added that understanding within the team and playing in a system that suits his strengths has been key to his resurgence.
So winning the cup made it a wonderful season. I know what the team wants, what the city wants, and then, I mean, when you’re in a team that plays to your strength, who knows your quality, everything will always work out in one way or the other,” he said.
He further explained his mindset before returning to Trabzonspor, revealing his determination to make amends after his first spell at the club.
“So coming there, I knew I was going to score some goals. Even before I made the transfer, I made a video for the Trabzonspor fans, and I told them I’m coming back stronger and better, and then that we had unfinished business the last time I was on loan there that I’m coming to finish.
“So I think I fulfilled what I said to them before I signed. So, I was excellent,” he concluded.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
