Nwaiwu Celebrates First Trabzonspor Goal, Promises More After Derby Win

‘First and many more to come’, Chibuike Nwaiwu declared after opening his Trabzonspor goal account in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Samsunspor in the Black Sea derby.

The Nigerian defender took to social media to celebrate his breakthrough after doubling Trabzonspor’s lead in the 38th minute at Samsun 19 Mayis Stadium, drawing a playful reaction from former Super Eagles teammate Kenneth Omeruo.

‘Finally person clean your shoe,’ Omeruo commented, referring to the traditional gesture of a teammate cleaning a player’s boot to celebrate his first goal for a club.

Nwaiwu had pounced on a costly mistake by Samsunspor goalkeeper Okan Kocuk to fire into the top-right corner, four minutes after Ernest Muci opened the scoring from Mustafa Eskihellac’s through ball. Franculino Dju added a third two minutes later to put Trabzonspor firmly in control.

The 23-year-old delivered an impressive all-round performance, recording 15 defensive contributions, including four tackles, four interceptions and four clearances. He also won five of his six duels and earned an 8.5 rating in a man-of-the-match display.

Even Melih Kabasakal’s dismissal in the 43rd minute could not derail Trabzonspor, who held on to secure a convincing derby victory.

The club also celebrated Nwaiwu’s contribution, posting: ‘Doğru anda, doğru yerde: Chibuike Nwaiwu’, ‘Right time, right place: Chibuike Nwaiwu.’

For his Nigerian teammate Paul Onuachu, however, the derby offered little opportunity to make an impression. The 32-year-old striker came on for Mohamed Salah in the 77th minute with the result already settled but failed to register a shot or touch the ball in the opposition penalty area.

Onuachu had passed a late fitness test to feature and was hoping to build on his brace against Genclerbirligi. Instead, his brief appearance extended a frustrating spell as he searches for rhythm and goals, with Muci and Franculino increasingly influential in Trabzonspor’s attack.