After two years of waiting, Paul Onuachu has finally found the back of the net for Southampton.
The towering Nigerian striker scored a powerful header in added time during Southampton’s narrow 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, a moment that coach Ivan Juric described as a testament to Onuachu’s fighting spirit.
The goal, though bittersweet given the result, marked a personal triumph for the 30-year-old forward, who joined the Saints in January 2023 from Belgian giants Genk for €18 million.
Despite high expectations, his time on the south coast has been anything but smooth, as he struggled to establish himself in the Premier League and spent a successful loan spell at Trabzonspor last season.
Juric’s Praise for Onuachu
Speaking after the game, Juric lauded Onuachu’s hardwork and unique qualities, expressing confidence in the forward’s potential impact for the team:
“There are some players that I like—they have some quality, and he has this quality. He’s tough, he’s a fighter, he’s tall with the ability to head,” Juric said.
“He’s very good, and he will give everything he can. I’m very happy for him that he scored today.”
Onuachu entered the fray in the 58th minute with Southampton trailing 3-0 at the City Ground. His physical presence immediately sparked life into the Saints’ attack.
He set up Lesley Ugochukwu for Southampton’s first goal with a precise knockdown before converting a Mateus Fernandes corner with a towering header in added time.
Paul Onuachu’s Reaction and Dedication
For Onuachu, the goal was not just a personal breakthrough but also a tribute to Southampton’s loyal fans.
“They’ve been brilliant. Even though we’ve been last in the table, they’ve been traveling everywhere, filling the stands.”
”I’m just going to dedicate this goal to them because they’ve been supportive,” Onuachu said.
“They’re cheering for me even when I’ve had good games or bad games. It’s nice to see.”
Career Highlights and Recent Links
Onuachu’s career has been a tale of two worlds. At Genk, he was prolific, scoring 79 goals in 114 appearances.
Last season, while on loan at Trabzonspor, he rediscovered his form, registering 15 goals and four assists in 21 league games.
His struggles at Southampton had led to speculation about a potential January transfer, with Turkish clubs Trabzonspor and Beşiktaş reportedly interested in his services.
However, his performance against Nottingham Forest could reignite his prospects at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Next Steps for Southampton
While Onuachu’s goal came too late to salvage points, Juric remains optimistic about his team’s fight and spirit.
With Southampton languishing at the bottom of the table, the coach hopes that performances like Onuachu’s can serve as a catalyst for better results moving forward.
For Paul Onuachu, his long-awaited breakthrough might just be the start of a redemption arc at Southampton, as he looks to establish himself as a reliable scorer in the Premier League.
