Trabzonspor coach Fatih Tekke has heaped praise on Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu for his incredible goal-scoring form and work ethic, following the club’s progress in the Turkish Cup on Tuesday.

The Nigeria striker scored again in Trabzonspor’s 4-2 win over Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday to lift them to second place in Group A of the competition.

Onuachu has been in top shape since his permanent move to the Black Sea Storm in a deal worth €5.67m last summer, scoring 20 goals across all competitions this season. He has surpassed the 17 goals he scored in the 2023/24 season, during his loan spell at the club.

The 31-year-old has led Trabzonspor’s attack as they sit third in the Süper Lig table, just as they stay in contention for the Turkish Cup thanks to his impressive performances.

Speaking after Trabzonspor’s victory over Basaksehir in the Turkish Cup, Fatih Tekke discussed the striker’s contributions and the expectations placed upon him as the club’s leading man.

"When I first saw Onuachu arrive, I called him the ‘Goal King,’” Tekke said, per Sporx.

”Onuachu doesn’t score goals alone; we are happy with the whole team. His match performance is good; he has scored many goals.

“His training performance is also very good. What I like most about Onuachu is his work ethic; he gives 100% in every training session.”

However, despite his prolific output, coach Tekke believes Onuachu can reach an even higher level and truly dominate the league if he improves his hold-up play and reduces how often he loses possession.

The Turkish coach noted that while the big striker is brilliant and gives his all during training, his tendency to lose the ball when dropping deep affects the team’s rhythm and limits the number of goalscoring chances he gets.

“I think he has special talents. What I want from him is to be a little better. For example, he suffers from simple ball losses. If he fixes that, he’ll get even more goal opportunities. We are very happy with Onuachu.”

With 18 league goals to his name, Onuachu is firmly on course to win the Süper Lig Golden Boot this season. While most teams recognise the threat he poses, his size makes him difficult to defend against.

Aside from pursuing personal glory, the Nigerian international will be hoping to end the campaign by lifting at least one piece of silverware with the club.