Former Super Eagles winger Garba Lawal has offered insights into why Paul Onuachu is unstoppable for Trabzonspor but struggles to find the net for Nigeria.
Onuachu has been on fire in Turkey this season, netting 22 league goals and cementing himself as the central figure in Trabzonspor’s attack. The team’s tactics play perfectly to his strengths — aerial dominance, hold-up play, and consistent minutes — while structured attacking patterns and chemistry with teammates give him the rhythm and confidence he needs to excel. His Turkish resurgence comes after a challenging spell in England, where limited playing time hindered his form.
Lawal stressed that the gap between club and international performances is nothing unusual. “National team football is a completely different ball game. You get just two or three training sessions before a match. At club level, you have the luxury of time to find your rhythm. If you don’t produce instantly for the national team, you risk being dropped,” he explained. He added that past strikers like Jonathan Akpoborie faced similar issues — thriving at clubs while struggling for the Super Eagles.
Tactical mismatch remains a major factor. Onuachu has scored just four goals in 34 appearances for Nigeria, a stark contrast to his prolific club form. Lawal explained that the Super Eagles’ system often fails to play to the striker’s profile, highlighting the need to create a setup that mirrors the conditions where Onuachu thrives.
Despite the international struggles, Onuachu remains one of Nigeria’s most consistent scorers in Europe, alongside teammates like Victor Osimhen.
