November 29, (THEWILL) – Nigerian forward, Paul Onuachu, has been nominated for the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award following an exceptional goal during Trabzonspor’s 2-1 victory over Konyaspor in the previous football season.
The 85th-minute strike, a flying backheel after a cross from Enis Destan, has captured popular attention and placed Onuachu among eleven remarkable goal contenders for 2024.
The Puskás Award, honouring the legacy of legendary Hungarian striker Ferenc Puskás, recognises the most spectacular goals in football.
This year’s nominations cover the period from August 21, 2023, to August 10, 2024, with Onuachu competing against international talents including Alejandro Garnacho, Federico Dimarco, and Mohammed Kudus, among others.
Onuachu’s nomination arrives during a challenging period for the striker, who has experienced limited playing time since returning to Southampton after his loan spell in Turkey.
Despite making only one start this season against Liverpool, the nomination represents a significant career milestone and a potential turning point for the Nigerian international.
The striker, known for his remarkable scoring abilities, previously set a record by scoring the fastest goal in Super Eagles history – just 10 seconds into a friendly match against Egypt in 2019.
Now, he stands on the brink of potentially becoming the first Nigerian footballer to win the prestigious Puskás Award.
The winner will be determined through a combination of fan votes, with football enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipating the final result.
This recognition not only highlights Onuachu’s extraordinary technical skills but also provides international acknowledgment of his footballing talent during a challenging career phase.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
