Trabzonspor defeated Samsunspor 3-0 in a Turkish Super Lig clash on October 10, 2026, with Franculino Djú, Chibuki Nwaezu, and Mohamed Salah starring.
The win lifted the visitors to third place in the league table, temporarily moving them above Samsunspor, who remain in 16th with four points after seven matches.
Key Moments in the Match
The match unfolded rapidly in the first half, with Trabzonspor taking control through three goals. Chibuike Nwaiwu doubled the lead 10 minutes later, converting a rebound after a save by Samsunspor goalkeeper Okan Kocuk. Franculino Djú completed the hat-trick in the 40th minute, finishing off a through ball from Mohamed Salah, who also provided an assist for the third goal.
The visitors faced a significant setback just before halftime when Melih Kabasakal was shown a straight red card for a clash with Samsunspor’s Elliott Watt. Despite playing with 10 men, Trabzonspor maintained their composure, withstanding Samsunspor’s attempts to claw back in the second half. The 3-0 lead held until the final whistle, marking a crucial three points for Thomas Reis’s side.
The match was the 7th matchday of the Turkish Süper Lig, held at Samsun Yeni 19 Mayıs Stadium. Trabzonspor’s victory extended their lead in the league table to 13 points, while Samsunspor remained on four points, 16th in the standings. The result followed a difficult start for Samsunspor, who had endured a four-match losing streak ahead of the derby.
Player Performances and Implications
Franculino Djú emerged as a standout performer, extending his scoring run to three consecutive matches across all competitions.
Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian star who joined Trabzonspor as a free agent signing before the season, continued his prolific form. His assist for Djú's goal highlighted his crucial contribution to Trabzonspor's attacking strategy.
Chibuike Nwaiwu, the Nigerian defender, made a significant impact by scoring his first league goal of the season. The 23-year-old former Enyimba player delivered 15 defensive contributions and 72 touches, earning an 8.5 match rating on Sofascore. Ajayi, however, was described as distinctly shaky
in the match against Guinea-Bissau, though Chelle kept him on for the full 90 minutes.
Nwaiwu’s goal against Samsunspor was his first of the campaign, and on this evidence, it certainly won’t be his last. The defender’s ability to adapt to varying pitch conditions, honed during his time in the Nigeria Premier Football League, was noted as a key factor in his performance. Despite complaints from Chelle and the squad about poor pitch quality, Nwaiwu’s experience allowed him to thrive, cementing his reputation as both a reliable defender and a threat in the opponent’s penalty area.
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Team News and Tactical Adjustments
Trabzonspor’s starting lineup saw changes, including the inclusion of Aral Simsir over Saviolo, a decision attributed to Simsir’s recent goal for Turkey against Italy. 61saat.com reported that Simsir secured his spot in the starting XI following his goal for Turkey against Italy. His inclusion represents the principal change highlighted in Trabzonspor’s team selection ahead of the away fixture. Saviolo, who had scored against Galatasaray, was left out of the starting XI with the coach choosing Simsir in the attacking line.
The victory reinforced Trabzonspor’s resurgence under Thomas Reis, who took charge after a difficult start to the season. For Samsunspor, the loss deepened their struggles, as they remain in the standings with just four points from seven games. The hosts had scored just one goal across their last four league matches, while conceding nine, leaving manager Fink with the task of finding a way to improve their productivity without exposing them further at the back.
Trabzonspor’s performance against Samsunspor showcased their depth and tactical flexibility. Despite playing with 10 men in the second half, they maintained defensive solidity, with Nwaiwu at the center of their resilience. The team's attacking efficiency was further evidenced by their ability to score three goals in 13 minutes. Samsunspor’s failure to capitalize on their numerical advantage in the second half highlighted the gulf in quality between the two sides.