Trabzonspor’s manager, Abdullah Avcı, has openly discussed the fitness levels of Paul Onuachu and Nicolas Pépé following their participation in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Both players, having spent approximately a month with their national teams, have rejoined their clubs in Turkey but are not yet in peak condition.
Onuachu, a late addition to the Super Eagles squad, saw limited action during the tournament, accumulating only five minutes of play across four matches. Pépé, on the other hand, started two of Ivory Coast’s seven matches but was benched for the semifinal and final.
Since returning from AFCON duty, Onuachu has struggled to make an impact in consecutive matches against Pendikspor and Adana Demirspor. Avcı emphasized the need for regeneration and tactical training for the players to regain full match fitness, acknowledging the fans’ eagerness to see them play.
Despite the challenges, Avcı is optimistic about increasing their playing time to enhance their physical and mental performance. Before his international duty, Onuachu had been in excellent form, scoring nine goals in seventeen appearances in the Turkish Super Lig.
Editorial
The situation with Paul Onuachu and Nicolas Pépé at Trabzonspor post AFCON 2023 sheds light on a broader issue faced by football clubs worldwide the challenge of reintegrating international players back into club duties. The delicate balance between national pride and club success often hinges on the physical and mental readiness of players returning from international competitions.
For Onuachu, a player who was firing on all cylinders before his national call up, the limited playing time at AFCON and the subsequent struggle to regain match fitness highlight the unpredictable nature of football. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of comprehensive player management, encompassing not just the physical but also the mental aspects of the game.
Clubs and national teams must collaborate more closely to ensure players’ well being, recognizing that the success of one is inherently linked to the other. This includes better communication regarding players’ fitness levels, tailored training programs, and a strategic approach to their reintegration.
As fans, while we eagerly await the return of our heroes from international duty, we must also appreciate the complexities involved in their transition back to club football. The journey of Onuachu and Pépé is a testament to the resilience required by professional athletes and the teams that support them, underscoring the need for patience and understanding as they work towards regaining their best form.
Did You Know?
- Trabzonspor, founded in 1967, is one of Turkey’s top football clubs and has won the Süper Lig title multiple times.
- The Africa Cup of Nations AFCON is the premier men’s football championship of Africa, organized by the Confederation of African Football CAF.
- Paul Onuachu moved to Trabzonspor from Genk, where he was one of the Belgian Pro League’s top scorers.
- Nicolas Pépé, before joining Trabzonspor, played for Arsenal in the English Premier League, showcasing the global journey many African players undertake in their careers.
- The Turkish Super Lig is known for its passionate fan base and competitive nature, attracting players from all over the world.
