Paul Onuachu returned to goalscoring form in style, netting twice as Trabzonspor thrashed Genclerbirligi 5-0 at home in Sunday’s Turkish Super Lig fixture, though the result came with a worrying twist for the Nigerian forward.

Onuachu had gone five matches without finding the net across all competitions before Sunday, making his double all the more significant. He opened the scoring inside the first five minutes, rising well to head in a cross supplied by Aral Simsir.

He then doubled his tally shortly after the quarter hour mark, tapping home from close range after another delivery into the box to make it 3-0.

Despite his impressive display, Onuachu’s afternoon ended prematurely when he was forced off with an injury just before the half hour mark, casting uncertainty over his fitness going forward.

Fellow Nigerian Chibuike Nwaiwu also featured for Trabzonspor, starting the match before being substituted late on.

The rest of the goals came from elsewhere, as a well taken penalty and a well worked team goal, followed by a late strike, rounded off a comprehensive victory for the home side.

The timing of Onuachu’s injury is far from ideal, arriving just weeks before Nigeria begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, with fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau fast approaching.

His fitness concern adds to existing worries for the Super Eagles, who are already monitoring Victor Osimhen after he sustained a groin injury in a separate match, with the striker expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks.