FIFA has officially opened voting for the Puskás Award, and among the nominees is Paul Onuachu, the towering Nigerian striker whose breathtaking flying backheel goal in the Turkish Süper Lig has earned him global recognition.
Onuachu, who now plays for Southampton after a stint with Trabzonspor, was nominated for the extraordinary goal that secured an 85th-minute victory in a tightly contested league match. The moment of magic came when Enis Destan delivered a cross from the left. With defenders closing in, Onuachu twisted his body mid-air and improvised a sensational backheel finish that left the goalkeeper helpless.
The audacity and execution of the strike drew widespread praise, while Onuachu’s cartwheeling celebration highlighted the athleticism and joy that define his playing style. The goal was not only a match-winner but a reminder of why the Nigerian is regarded as one of the most unique strikers in football.
This isn’t the first time Onuachu has made headlines with his goal-scoring feats. In 2019, he etched his name into history by scoring the fastest goal ever for the Nigeria national team, netting just 10 seconds into a match against Egypt. Since then, he has been a key figure for the Super Eagles, combining his physical presence with remarkable technical ability.
Onuachu’s nomination for the Puskás Award is a proud moment for Nigerian football, reflecting the growing influence of African players on the global stage. Voting for the award is now open on FIFA’s official website, and fans worldwide have the chance to ensure Onuachu’s flying backheel becomes immortalized as the best goal of the year.