Tekke reveals set-piece plan behind Nwaiwu’s winner in Trabzonspor victory

Trabzonspor head coach Fatih Tekke has explained that Chibuike Nwaiwu’s winning goal against Galatasaray came from a routine they had worked on in training.

Nwaiwu, who joined Trabzonspor from Wolfsberger AC in the January transfer window, has become an important player for the Black Sea Storm. He showed his quality again in one of the biggest Süper Lig matches of the season.

Before the game, Trabzonspor had failed to beat Galatasaray in their last nine meetings. However, Nwaiwu’s 68th-minute goal made the difference. He met a fine cross from Anthony Nwakaeme and headed the ball home to give his side a 2-1 win.

The former Enyimba FC defender also impressed at the back, helping his team withstand late pressure from the league leaders.

Speaking after the match, Tekke said the goal was carefully planned.

“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 practised making a triple run to that area and putting 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 moves Trabzonspor closer in the title race, as they are now just one point behind Galatasaray, who still have a game in hand.

With Nigerian players like Nwaiwu, Paul Onuachu and Nwakaeme in strong form, Trabzonspor will believe they have a real chance of winning the Süper Lig title this season.