Nigeria defender Chibuike Nwaiwu opened his goalscoring account for the 2026/27 season as Trabzonspor recorded a convincing 3-0 victory over Samsunspor in Saturday’s Turkish Süper Lig Black Sea derby.

The Nigerian centre-back doubled Trabzonspor’s lead in the 38th minute at the Samsun 19 Mayıs Stadium, reacting quickest after Samsunspor goalkeeper Okan Kocuk failed to hold Ernest Muçi’s effort.

Muçi had put the visitors ahead in the 28th minute with a finish from inside the penalty area before Nwaiwu capitalised on the rebound to strengthen Trabzonspor’s advantage.

Franculino Djú added a third goal in the 40th minute, completing a dominant first-half performance that left Samsunspor with a difficult task after the break.  

Nwaiwu remained influential at the back as Trabzonspor protected their three-goal advantage to secure all three points against their regional rivals.

The 23-year-old played 93 minutes and delivered an impressive defensive performance, recording four tackles, four interceptions and four clearances. He also completed 85 per cent of his passes and won three of his four ground duels.  

The goal represents an important attacking contribution for the Nigerian defender, who joined Trabzonspor from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC in January 2026.

Nwaiwu helped Trabzonspor finish third in the Turkish Süper Lig last season, win the Turkish Cup and secure qualification for the UEFA Europa League.

His performances at club level have also brought him into the Super Eagles fold. He received his first senior national team invitation in March and made his debut as a second-half substitute in Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly victory over Iran.

The defender was included in Nigeria’s matchday squads for the September 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau but did not feature in either match.  

Saturday’s appearance also saw Nwaiwu avoid a possible suspension. He had received yellow cards in three consecutive league matches against Başakşehir, Amed SK and Gençlerbirliği, leaving him at risk of missing Trabzonspor’s next league fixture had he been booked again.

Trabzonspor will next prepare for a league meeting with Beşiktaş on October 19, with Nwaiwu available for selection following the Samsunspor encounter.  

The Nigerian defender’s latest performance will strengthen his bid for a regular place in Trabzonspor’s defence as the club pursues another successful domestic campaign.