Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu was temporarily deployed as a defender by his Turkish side, Trabzonspor, during their league clash with Göztepe.

The striker also faces a one-match suspension after accumulating three yellow cards in previous games.

Onuachu was moved to defence after Trabzonspor were reduced to ten men in the 78th minute. Right-back Wagner Pina had received a straight red card, prompting manager Fatih Tekke to position Onuachu as a centre-back, according to reports.

The Nigerian international played the final 20 minutes of the match, including stoppage time, in his unfamiliar defensive role. He impressed with eleven clearances while committing only two fouls.

Explaining the decision, Tekke said: “We were down to 10 men. There was no fullback, there was no centre-back. We were forced to move Onuachu into defence.”

The caution Onuachu received in the 73rd minute means he will serve a one-match ban, ruling him out of next weekend’s crucial encounter against Beşiktaş.