Tekke Defends Bold Onuachu Decision.

Fatih Tekke

Trabzonspor manager Fatih Tekke has justified his surprising decision to deploy Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu as an emergency centre-back during their 2–1 win over Göztepe on Sunday.

Tekke said the situation left him with no alternative, as his team were reduced to 10 men and had no full-backs or centre-backs available on the bench.

“We were down to 10 men. No right-back. No central defender. We had to pull Onuachu back into defense out of necessity,” Tekke said.

Paul Onuachu

Tactical Shift Borne Out of Necessity

The manager explained they had successfully disrupted Göztepe’s game plan in the first half and kept control, but simple errors after the break allowed the home side to gain momentum.

“We controlled the match in the first half despite many shortcomings,” Tekke noted.
“The simple mistakes we made in the second half increased the opponent’s pressure.”

Trabzonspor had gone 2–0 up, thanks to a brace from Ernest Muci, before right-back Wagner Pina was sent off in the 78th minute. With no defenders left to call upon, Tekke made the bold decision to move Onuachu, the league’s top scorer, into central defence.

Onuachu Impresses in an Unfamiliar Role

Despite playing out of position, the Nigerian striker delivered a solid defensive performance, making eleven clearances and helping Trabzonspor withstand late pressure after Göztepe pulled one back through Anthony Dennis.

Onuachu, however, picked up a yellow card—his third of the season—meaning he will miss Trabzonspor’s next match against Besiktas due to suspension.

Possible Early Release for AFCON Camp

The suspension could benefit Nigeria, as it may allow Onuachu to join the Super Eagles camp earlier ahead of their AFCON preparations beginning on Wednesday in Egypt.

The in-form forward has contributed eleven league goals and one assist so far this season.