Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has expressed his frustration following Trabzonspor’s narrow defeat to rivals Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nwaiwu was in the thick of the action for the Black Sea Storm as they welcomed their fierce rivals to Papara Park.
The 22-year-old central defender, who joined the Trabzon giants from Austrian side Wolfsberger during the January transfer window, has quickly established himself as a vital part in the team's defensive setup.
The former Enyimba man showed his quality early on, providing a pinpoint assist for Ernest Muçi’s opener in just the 6th minute.
However, the Yellow Canaries fought back swiftly, with Talisca and Kerem Akturkoglu finding the net in the 15th and 34th minutes to turn the game on its head.
Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu restored parity just before the interval, making it 2-2 heading into the break.
Unfortunately for the hosts, the momentum shifted again just three minutes into the second half when Marco Asensio struck what proved to be the winner.
Despite a late onslaught from the Black Sea Storm, Fenerbahce held firm to secure their fifth consecutive victory over Trabzonspor.
The result sees Fenerbahce establish a seven-point cushion over the Black Sea Storm, though they remain in second place behind league leaders Galatasaray.
Watch Highlights of Trabzonspor vs Fenerbahce
Nwaiwu Unhappy with Defeat Against Fenerbahçe
Nwaiwu, who put in a shift for the full 90 minutes, did not hide his disappointment regarding the outcome of the high-stakes fixture.
”We tried to give our best, but that's football—sometimes you win, sometimes you lose,” he told Aksam Spor.
The Nigerian defender, known for his competitive edge, admitted the loss stung. “We fought hard, but unfortunately, it didn't go as we wanted. I hate losing.
“I tried to relive that moment; I wanted to think a little and feel that atmosphere on the pitch again to regain my composure.”
Despite his baptism of fire in the Turkish Super Lig, Nwaiwu will have to stay focused on the task ahead.
The Black Sea Storm will be looking to bounce back and return to winning ways when they travel to face Gaziantep next Sunday.
