Preseason Setback: Super Eagles Striker Onuachu Sidelined With Ankle Injury

Preseason Setback: Super Eagles Striker Onuachu Sidelined With Ankle Injury

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria's Super Eagles forward, Paul Onuachu, has been dealt a major setback ahead of the 2025/26 season, as he is set to miss several weeks of action due to injury, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Onuachu, who recently rejoined Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor from English Premier League club Southampton, picked up the injury during a pre-season friendly on Saturday evening.

A statement from Trabzonspor’s medical team, via AbcGazetesi, confirmed that tests revealed “intense swelling” in the striker’s left ankle along with partial ligament damage.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Beşir, head of the club’s medical board, said: "Due to the impact, intense oedema was detected in Onuachu’s left ankle bones and partial injury to his ankle ligaments. Our medical team has commenced treatment immediately."

As a result, the 31-year-old is expected to be out for approximately four weeks, ruling him out of Trabzonspor’s opening league fixtures.

These include their season opener against newly-promoted Kocaelispor on August 11, as well as subsequent games against Kasimpasa, Antalyaspor, and Samsunspor.

The injury is a disappointing blow for Onuachu, who had hoped to make a strong start to life back in Turkey.