Nwakaeme responds to Trabzonspor captainship rumours in stunning style

The veteran forward is being tipped to skipper the Blue Sea Storm next season, and he led by example on Wednesday afternoon

Anthony Nwakaeme provided two assists and several beautiful moments to help Trabzonspor secure a come-from-behind 5-3 friendly win over Umrayenispor at the Medical Park Arena on Wednesday.

All the eight goals were scored after the break as a quiet, boring first-half gave way for an exciting second half inspired by the introduction of Nwakaeme and Gervinho at the interval.

Del Valle broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, but Guinean forward Bengali-Fodé Koita and Ozdemir struck in succession to turn the tie in Trabzonspor's favour.

But 20-year-old Fuat Bavuk netted a five-minute brace to hand the visitors the lead again, heading into the final ten minutes of the encounter.

But Nwakaeme combined brilliantly with Anastasios Bakasetas, with the Nigerian's pass opening the space for the Greek attacker to smash home and tie the clash at 3-3.

Nwakaeme was not done, though, as the ageless forward showed his class to set up former Arsenal man Gervinho for the strike that made it 4-3.

And Vitor Hugo sealed the win – Trabzonspor's first of their preseason – in stoppage time.

Nwakaeme is being tipped to be made the captain of Trabzonspor ahead of the 2021/22 season, as the Blue Sea Storm looks to reward the Nigerian international who has been excellent for the club since he joined three years ago.