Paul Onuachu Deployed as Emergency Centre-Back Defender in Trabzonspor’s Win Over Göztepe

Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu found himself in an unusual position on Sunday as Trabzonspor were forced to use him as a centre-back during their league match against Göztepe.

The unexpected switch came in the 78th minute after right back Wagner Pina was shown a straight red card, leaving Trabzonspor with ten men and no available defenders on the bench. With limited options, manager Fatih Tekke instructed Onuachu, normally the team’s leading attacking threat, to drop into defence and help protect their lead.

Trabzonspor had earlier taken control of the game thanks to a brace from Ernest Muci, who scored in the 46th and 76th minutes to put the visitors two goals ahead. The red card, however, forced a complete tactical adjustment, with Onuachu moving from striker to centre back for the remainder of the match.

After the game, Tekke explained the decision, saying:

“We were down to ten men. There was no fullback, there was no centre back. We were forced to move Onuachu into defence.”

Despite being out of position, Onuachu produced a committed performance to help Trabzonspor hold on. However, the night ended with mixed news for the Nigerian star, who will now serve a one-match ban after accumulating three yellow cards in earlier fixtures. Onuachu is the current top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig with 11 goals.