Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu paid an emotional tribute to Trabzonspor’s late assistant coach Orhan Kaynak after scoring the match-winner in Saturday’s Super Lig clash against Caykur Rizespor, Footynaija.com reports.
Kaynak passed away a few days ago after suffering a heart attack while having a meal at the club’s training facility. The 56-year-old former striker was rushed to Karadeniz Technical University Farabi Hospital, where he sadly passed away despite emergency medical intervention.
Onuachu, who scored the only goal of the game six minutes after the restart, celebrated by holding up a Trabzonspor jersey with Orhan Kaynak’s name printed on the back in an emotional tribute.
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Speaking after the match, the Nigerian striker admitted it had been a difficult period for the team following the tragic loss.
“I want to start by offering my condolences to the family of our coach, whom we lost,” Onuachu said, per quotes revealed by Haberturk.
“We dedicate this victory to him and his family. It wasn’t easy to play this match. We are going through a difficult period for our city and our club. We are happy that we won this match for him.”
For Onuachu, it was a night of personal significance as well. His match-winner against Caykur Rizespor was his tenth consecutive strike in the Super Lig, making him the first Trabzonspor player since Burak Yilmaz (2010/2011) to score in 10 straight league matches.
The Super Eagles striker’s incredible scoring streak has seen him net against the likes of Kasimpasa, Gaziantep FK, Antalyaspor, Fatih Karagumruk, Fethiyespor, Basaksehir, Samsunspor, Kayserispor, Fenerbahce and Rizespor to bring his tally for the season to 21 goals in 23 games.
Onuachu continues to lead the way atop the Super Lig top scorers’ chart while Trabzonspor maintain third place on the standings to stay in strong contention to qualify for Europe ahead of next season.
