Trabzonspor secured a hard-fought 2–1 home victory over Kasimpasa at Papara Park, with Nigerian stars Paul Onuachu and Tony Nwakaeme making decisive impacts off the bench in an entertaining league encounter.
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After a cagey first half that ended goalless, the hosts found the breakthrough six minutes into the second period. Substitute Paul Onuachu announced his presence in style, producing a brilliant finish in the 51st minute after being set up by C. Inao Oulai to give Trabzonspor a 1–0 lead. It was a clinical moment that underlined the striker’s quality and poise in front of goal.
Kasimpasa responded positively and were rewarded in the 61st minute when Fode Diabate restored parity. The forward finished calmly after receiving an assist from İrfan Kahveci, briefly swinging the momentum in favour of the visitors.
Trabzonspor, however, showed resilience and greater depth from the bench. With six minutes left on the clock, another substitute combination proved decisive.
Tony Nwakaeme delivered a perfectly weighted assist for Oleksandr Zubkov, who struck the winning goal in the 84th minute to send the home fans into celebration.
Defensively, Nigerian centre-back Chibuike Nwaiwu put in a solid and disciplined performance, helping Trabzonspor withstand late pressure from Kasimpasa as they pushed for an equaliser.
The visitors’ frustrations were compounded in stoppage time when Kerem Demirbay received a second yellow card, reducing Kasimpasa to ten men.
The victory highlights Trabzonspor’s squad depth and ability to change games through impactful substitutions.
Onuachu’s goal and Nwakaeme’s assist proved decisive, while Nwaiwu’s assured display at the back contributed to a valuable three points as Trabzonspor continue their push in the league standings.
