Trabzonspor’s title ambitions suffered a setback after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Corendon Alanyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig, with the absence of Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu proving decisive, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The visitors, missing their leading goalscorer due to a muscle injury sustained in training, struggled to assert their usual attacking dominance as they dropped points for the first time in six matches.
After a goalless first half at the Alanya Oba Stadium, Trabzonspor broke the deadlock in the 58th minute through Ozan Tufan, who gave the burgundy-blues a deserved lead.
However, the advantage was short-lived as Alanyaspor responded swiftly.
Following a VAR intervention in the 63rd minute, the hosts were awarded a penalty, which Güven Yalçın converted four minutes later to restore parity.
Despite pushing for a winner, Trabzonspor were unable to find a breakthrough in the closing stages, settling for a draw that takes them to 64 points and dents their momentum in the championship race.
Onuachu’s absence was keenly felt, with the Nigeria international having been central to Trabzonspor’s campaign.
The striker has scored 22 league goals this season, accounting for a significant portion of the team’s attacking output, while his aerial presence has been a key weapon.
In his absence, there were still encouraging performances from fellow Nigerians Anthony Nwakaeme and Chibuike Nwaiwu.
Nwakaeme, who featured for 84 minutes, remained a lively presence in attack and attempted to drive his side forward.
The 37-year-old came into the match in strong form after providing the decisive assist in the recent victory over Galatasaray and once again showed glimpses of his quality, although he was unable to produce a match-winning moment.
At the back, Nwaiwu completed the full match and continued to underline his importance to the team.
The Eagles defender delivered a composed performance, helping to keep Alanyaspor at bay for long periods, while also posing a threat going forward, having recently contributed a crucial winning goal.
Trabzonspor will now look to return to winning ways when they host RAMS Başakşehir in their next fixture, while Alanyaspor travel to face Kasımpaşa as the season enters its decisive phase.
