“It’s not about the league” – Onuachu explains hot form at Trabzonspor after Southampton struggles

Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu has opened up on the reasons behind his impressive form at Trabzonspor, Soccenet.ng reports. 

The towering Nigerian attacker insists that his success in Turkey following his exit from Southampton has more to do with team fit, confidence and playing style than the league itself.

Speaking to reporters in Fes, as observed by Soccernet.ng, the Super Eagles striker reflected on his resurgence in Turkey following a difficult spell at Southampton, where he struggled to find consistency and regular goals.

What Onuachu said about Trabzonspor

The Super Eagles forward dismissed the idea that his revival is purely down to moving to a different league, stressing that understanding from the coach and fitting into the team’s style have been crucial.

“It’s not about the league. I think it’s about the way the team wants to play, how you fit into the team, your confidence and everything around it,” Onuachu said.

“Whether it’s the UK, Spain or Germany, if you fit into the team, have confidence and suit the coach’s style of play, that’s what really matters.”

 

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The Nigerian forward added that feeling trusted and understood has allowed him to express himself better on the pitch at Trabzonspor.

Onuachu’s Trabzonspor form

The 31-year-old has been in red-hot form for the Black Sea Storm in the 2025/2026 season, which could be said has earned him a recall in the Super Eagles squad.

The Nigerian international has delivered goals consistently in the Turkish Süper Lig with his physical presence, aerial strength and improved confidence to trouble defenders week after week.

His performances have made him a key figure in Trabzonspor’s push for domestic success this season.

What happened at Southampton

Onuachu’s time in England was a sharp contrast. After joining the Premier League side with high expectations, he struggled to adapt to the team’s style of play and found himself in and out of the squad.

Limited service and tactical mismatch contributed to a disappointing spell that saw goals hard to come by. Despite his pedigree as a proven scorer in Belgium, the former KAA Genk star never fully settled in England before eventually moving on.

The Nigerian, now thriving in Turkey with 11 goals before he journeyed to represent Nigeria at AFCON 2025, will be aiming to pick up from where he left off after the continental tournament.