Nigerian Tempers Flare - Super Eagles Star Makes Subtle Social Dig at National Teammate

Nigerian Tempers Flare - Super Eagles Star Makes Subtle Social Dig at National Teammate

Nigeria and Trabzonspor talisman Paul Onuachu has grabbed headlines in the last 24 hours, and not just because of his impressive form in the the Turkish Süper Lig. The 31-year old striker joined Trabzonspor last summer, and since arriving from Southampton, Onuachu has scored 19 goals and provided 2 assists in 23 appearances for the side. After another successful game for the club nicknamed, "Black Sea Storm", Onuachu took to social media to post a statement on his Instagram that read, "No paid media. No bought hype, just hard work, quality and goals".

Turkish Süper Lig highest goal scorer Paul Onuachu who has scored 18 goals this season, posted this on his Instagram 📱

" No paid media. No bought hype, just hard work, quality and goals." pic.twitter.com/jHk2DO2oIX

— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) February 28, 2026

Instantly, fans read it as a swipe at fellow Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who is also plying his trade in Turkey with Galatasaray. The numbers only add fuel to the fire, Osimhen has 17 goals this season, two fewer than Paul Onuachu. Yet the real intrigue lies beyond the stats. At 27, arguably in his prime and widely regarded as one of Europe’s elite forwards, Osimhen’s presence in Turkey still raises eyebrows. After initially joining Galatasaray on loan for 2024/25, the move was made permanent in a Turkish record-breaking €75 million deal. Astronomical transfer fees aside, the figures don’t stop there. Victor Osimhen earns a staggering €15 million per year salary, in addition to a €1 million loyalty bonus and €5 million in image rights.

🚨🟡🔴 Galatasaray are closing in on Victor Osimhen deal, here we go soon!

€40m immediate payment.
€35m in one year.
€5m add-ons based on goals.
10% sell-on clause on future profit.
Clause to avoid sale to Italian clubs next two years.

Verbal agreement in place. ⏳🏁 pic.twitter.com/Q4JVPKOUoi

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2025

For all the eye-watering fees, complex payment structures and transfer-window theatrics, you would expect Victor Osimhen to comfortably outscore his Nigerian teammate, especially one four years his senior in Paul Onuachu, yet the scriptwriters of football appear to have a different plan.

At the 2026 AFCON, Osimhen was the favourite to lead the line for the Super Eagles, with Onuachu largely confined to cameo roles from the bench. That dynamic may well have lit the fuse, and while Osimhen’s tournament delivered goals, it was also laced with controversy. Heated exchanges with teammates, visible frustration, and debate over penalty duties, Nigeria’s campaign ultimately fizzled out in the semi-finals, leaving more questions than answers. In addition to what turned out to be an underwhelming AFCON campaign for Nigeria, the Super Eagles also failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"The game was nothing to write home about, in terms of the officiating."

Victor Osimhen speaking after Nigeria's loss to Morroco last night in the AFCON semi-final.#54footballx#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/76td8TXyeY

— Official54fx (@54footballx) January 15, 2026

Perhaps Onuachu does carry a chip on his shoulder, and perhaps there is genuine tension beneath the surface. However, if the scorelines keep tilting in his favour, he may feel fully justified. Should Onuachu finish the season ahead of Osimhen in the goal charts, you suspect he won’t need to say anymore as the numbers will do the talking.

Paul Onuachu is the currently the Top Scorer in the Turkish Super Lig with 18 goals in 21 games for Trabzonspor. pic.twitter.com/M7xMsDnfp4

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) February 28, 2026