| Player Profile | |
|---|---|
| Name | Paul Ebere Onuachu |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Date of Birth | 28 May 1994 |
| Club | Southampton |
| Position | Forward |
Paul Onuachu is a towering figure in the world of football, known for his exceptional goal-scoring prowess and commanding presence on the pitch. Born on May 28, 1994, in Owerri, Nigeria, Onuachu has evolved into a formidable striker whose journey from the grassroots of African football to the upper echelons of European competitions serves as an inspirational tale.
Standing at an imposing 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm), Onuachu’s physicality is among the first traits that catch the eye. However, it’s his remarkable skill set that truly sets him apart. His ability to combine size with agility, ball control, and a keen sense of positioning allows him to dominate aerial duels and makes him a constant threat during set pieces.
Paul Onuachu: The Beginning
Paul Onuachu’s professional career took off at FC Ebedei, a Nigerian football academy known for nurturing young talents, before moving to Denmark’s FC Midtjylland in 2012. Here, he honed his skills and made a significant impact, helping the team to Danish Superliga triumphs. His breakthrough came in the 2018-2019 season when he scored 22 goals in all competitions, showcasing his maturity and readiness for bigger challenges.
In 2019, Onuachu transferred to Genk in Belgium, where he flourished, registering remarkable goal tallies. His debut season was impressive, but it was the 2020-2021 season that saw him reach new heights as he finished as one of the top scorers in the Belgian Pro League, earning him the league’s Player of the Year award. This achievement highlighted his importance to Genk and affirmed his status as one of Europe’s most lethal strikers. He also featured for the club in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
A Move to England
Following considerable success in Belgium, Onuachu made a move to English club Southampton in February 2023, featuring in the Premier League and EFL Cup. However, he was loaned out to Turkish side Trabzonspor in September 2023 for more considerable game time. He returned to Southampton in the summer of 2024.
Skills and Contributions
Paul Onuachu’s playing style revolves around his ability to be both a target man and a versatile forward. His height gives him an undeniable advantage in aerial combats, making him the perfect recipient for crosses and long balls. However, Onuachu is not just a traditional striker; he possesses fine footwork and unexpected speed for a player of his stature, attributes that enable him to dribble past defenders and create scoring opportunities out of minimal chances.
Moreover, Onuachu’s contributions to his team extend beyond scoring goals. He’s adept at holding up the ball, allowing his teammates to get into advantageous positions, thereby playing a pivotal role in the build-up play. His selflessness on the field and ability to make those around him better speaks volumes about his understanding of the game and team dynamics.
Onuachu Playing For Nigeria
Onuachu’s first appearance for Nigeria came with the Nigeria U-23 National Team. He made his senior debut in March 2019 and scored his first goal the same month. He made the Nigeria squad for the 2019 African Cup of Nations and helped the Super Eagles finish third. He was also among the squad that finished second at the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
| Team | Period |
|---|---|
| Ebedei | 2012. |
| FC Midtjylland | 2012/2013-2018/2019 |
| Vejle Club (Loan) | 2015/2016 |
| KRC Genk | 2019/2020- 2022/23 |
| Southampton | 2022/2023 – present |
| Trabzonspor | 2023/2024 – 2023/2024 |
To see how Paul Onuachu compares with his peers, explore our Top Nigerian Football Players.