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Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has given Trabzonspor a difficult selection decision ahead of Saturday’s trip to Konyaspor, Footynaija reports.
The Nigeria international is one yellow card away from a one-match suspension in the Turkish Super Lig. If he is booked against Konyaspor on September 12, he will miss Trabzonspor’s next league game against Galatasaray on September 19.
That has left Trabzonspor’s coaching staff with a choice. They can start the 23-year-old against Konyaspor and accept the risk, or leave him on the bench and protect him for the visit of Galatasaray.
Nwaiwu has already collected three yellow cards in the opening four Super Lig matches of the 2026-27 season. He has started all four games and played 353 league minutes. His latest appearance came in Sunday’s 5-0 home win over Genclerbirligi, when he played 83 minutes.
His disciplinary record now puts Trabzonspor in a difficult position because Konyaspor comes immediately before the Galatasaray game.
Türkiye Gazetesi reports that Trabzonspor’s technical staff are considering whether to start Nwaiwu in Konya or save him for the Galatasaray match at Papara Park. The report said the final decision would be based on his performances in training during the week.
Nwaiwu has become an important part of the defence since joining Trabzonspor from Wolfsberger in January 2026. The club confirmed his permanent transfer on January 7, and he went on to make 16 Super Lig appearances for Trabzonspor during the second half of last season. That explains why losing him against Galatasaray could be a serious concern.
There is also a possible replacement already in view. Samet Akaydin would be the leading option to take Nwaiwu’s place if the Nigerian is left out against Konyaspor.
