Soccer
Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen and Trabzonspor’s Paul Onuachu. Copyright: Imago
Paul Onuachu has lifted the lid on his healthy rivalry with fellow Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen after the two Nigerians shared the Turkish Super Lig Golden Boot across successive seasons, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Trabzonspor forward emerged as the league’s top scorer in the 2025/26 campaign after registering 22 goals and two assists in 30 league appearances, edging out Talisca, Osimhen and Mohamed Bayo to claim the prestigious individual prize.
Onuachu’s triumph came a year after Osimhen dominated the division in his debut season with Galatasaray, scoring 26 goals and providing five assists in just 30 league games to finish as the Super Lig’s leading marksman and inspire the Lions to the league title.
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Rather than creating tension between the two Super Eagles stars, however, the battle for supremacy has strengthened their relationship, with Onuachu insisting their competition continues to motivate both players to reach even greater heights.
Speaking to Turkish outlet 61Saat, the 32-year-old dismissed suggestions of any personal rivalry, explaining that competing against a fellow Nigerian has only benefited both of them.
“There will always be competition. Competition adds something to you. There are important strikers like Osimhen in the league. Last year I managed to become the top scorer,” Onuachu said.
The former Southampton striker revealed that mutual respect has always defined their relationship despite battling for individual honours.
“We both congratulate each other. When one of us achieves success, we congratulate each other. I called and spoke to them when they won the league.
“It’s a good thing to play and compete with someone from the same country.
“When he wins, I congratulate him, and when I win, he congratulates me.”
Osimhen’s title-winning campaign in 2024/25 established him as the benchmark among strikers in the Super Lig, but Onuachu responded in style the following season by claiming the Golden Boot himself while spearheading Trabzonspor’s attack.
With both forwards expected to remain at their respective clubs this season, another chapter in their friendly battle for goals could be on the horizon, one that could see Trabzonspor, Galatasaray, and the Super Eagles all emerge respective winners.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual CAF-Accredited sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.
With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.
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