Nwaiwu the joker – Trabzonspor boss opens up on Super Eagles star’s lethal role in Galatasaray upset

Trabzonspor coach Fatih Tekke has explained that Chibuike Nwaiwu's winning goal against Galatasaray on Saturday was a routine they had been practicing before the game, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Nwaiwu has been a key player for the Black Sea Storm since arriving from Austrian club Wolfsberger in the January transfer window.

He once again proved his quality in arguably Trabzonspor’s biggest Süper Lig game of the season against league leaders Galatasaray.

​Going into Saturday’s clash, the Black Sea Storm had not defeated Cimbom in nine consecutive meetings.

However, Nwaiwu’s 68th-minute goal changed the narrative. He got on the end of a beautiful cross from Anthony Nwakaeme and placed a fine header to make it 2-1.

​Aside from his goal, the former Enyimba man put in a solid shift at the back to ensure his side stayed in the game despite a late onslaught from Galatasaray.

​Speaking after the encounter, coach Tekke expressed his elation with the result. He also let the media in on some of the tactics used to dismantle the league leaders.

​What Trabzonspor Boss Tekke Said About Chibuike Nwaiwu's Goal

​Fatih Tekke explained that he noticed a height advantage over the Galatasaray defenders and worked on exploiting it during training.

Fortunately, Nwakaeme’s cross was on point, and Nwaiwu — one of the tallest players on the pitch — was able to capitalize and score.

​”I can tell you something about the second goal and how we looked at the game,” Tekke said.

​”We had worked on the fact that Galatasaray's two shortest players are usually at the front post in defensive blocks.

​”We practiced making a triple run to that area and throwing the ball over those two shorter players. It was a very good cross, a very good header, and it went to a very good spot. This team is working hard. I congratulate everyone.”

​The win over Galatasaray puts Trabzonspor in a solid position to challenge for the Süper Lig title; they now sit just one point behind Cimbom, who still have a game in hand.

​If Trabzonspor’s Nigerian stars like Chibuike Nwaiwu, Paul Onuachu, and Anthony Nwakaeme continue to perform as they did against Galatasaray, they have a serious shot at claiming the trophy by the end of the season.