Garba Lawal explains Onuachu’s scoring struggles with Super Eagles

Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has explained why Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu struggles to find the net for his country despite his impressive returns at the club level.

​Since making his debut for the Super Eagles, Onuachu has managed only four goals in 30 appearances. He has featured in three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments but has recorded just one goal—a strike in the 3-1 group stage win over Uganda at the 2025 tournament in Morocco.

​In contrast, the towering striker is currently in the best goal-scoring form of his career with Trabzonspor. In the Turkish Süper Lig this season, the Nigerian has netted 22 goals and provided two assists in just 25 appearances.

Lawal gives insight on striker

Speaking with Footy Africa, Lawal noted that it is common for strikers to be more prolific for their clubs than their national teams.

“It’s important to remember that national team football is a different ball game.

Even in my day, we had strikers like Jonathan Akpoborie, who struggled internationally but would return to his club and score a brace or a hat-trick immediately.”

The ex-international further explained that the primary issue for Onuachu is the lack of preparation time during international breaks.

“At club level, you have the luxury of time and consistent minutes to find your rhythm. With the national team, you don’t have time to gel; you might only get two or three sessions before a match. If you don’t produce instantly, you risk being dropped. At a club, you have the luxury of time and consistent minutes to find your rhythm.”

Despite these international struggles, Lawal maintained that Onuachu remains a vital asset for the national team.