Nigerians Roast Onuachu After Claims of Not Paying for Media Hype
Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has ignited a firestorm of criticism from Nigerians following a recent social media post where he distanced himself from paid media hype. The 2025 AFCON bronze medallist, who is currently the leading goal scorer in the Turkish Super Lig, made the comments after another impressive performance for Trabzonspor.
Onuachu's Explosive Form and Controversial Statement
The 31-year-old Nigerian international is enjoying a remarkable resurgence in form since returning to Turkey after a disappointing spell with Southampton in the Premier League. On Friday, February 27, Onuachu was instrumental in Trabzonspor's 3-1 victory over Fatih Karagümrük, scoring the opening goal in the 20th minute with a powerful header from Ozan Tufan's cross and assisting fellow Nigerian Chuibike Nwaiwu in the 50th minute to seal the win at Papara Park.
According to reports from beIN Sports and One Football, Onuachu has now scored 18 goals in 21 appearances this season, making him the top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig. However, it was his subsequent statement on social media platform X that sparked widespread controversy.
The Viral Post That Sparked Backlash
In a now-viral post, Onuachu credited his success to hard work and consistency, explicitly stating that he does not engage with paid media or bloggers for promotion. He wrote, "No paid media. No bought hype. Just hardwork, quality and goals." This declaration did not sit well with many Nigerian fans and social media users, who interpreted it as a subtle dig at those who promote him.
Nigerian Reactions: From Criticism to Accusations
The backlash was swift and severe. One user, @PoojaMedia, criticized Onuachu for what they perceived as ingratitude, noting that Nigerians have been actively posting about his achievements due to his good form. They argued that paid hype is a common practice even among the biggest brands worldwide.
Another user, @FisayoDairo, delivered a particularly scathing response, stating, "Very funny statement from Onuachu. So everybody wey dey write about & post am, he bin pay dem? Inferiority complex go wound am. He should know he can’t compete with Osimhen even if he scores 50 more goals. If Galatasaray fans alone tweet Osimhen, e pass the whole Naija media." This comment highlighted comparisons with fellow Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen, suggesting Onuachu might be struggling with an inferiority complex.
However, not all reactions were negative. @Xtopherewesi defended Onuachu, interpreting his post as simply "bl*wing your own trumpet" rather than an attack on teammates or journalists. They recalled that Onuachu has previously acknowledged Osimhen's superiority, indicating no malice in his statement.
Broader Context: National Team Considerations
Amid this controversy, it's worth noting that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has been actively working to strengthen the national squad. Reports indicate that Chelle recently traveled across Europe to meet with Nigerian players, including Onuachu and Southampton's Joe Aribo, to discuss strategies and expectations for upcoming matches. This context adds another layer to Onuachu's current prominence in Nigerian football discussions.
As the debate continues to rage on social media, Onuachu's performance on the field remains undeniable, but his comments have clearly struck a nerve with many Nigerians who feel his statement undermines the organic support he receives from fans and media alike.
