Nwaiwu: ‘Every Player Who Plays Against Salah Needs To Be Very Prepared’

Retold by Oddsrama · 24 August 2026

Chibuike Nwaiwu knows what it takes to shut down world-class talent. The Super Eagles centre-back, who shares a dressing room with Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor, has given defenders a clear blueprint: if you're facing the Egyptian, you'd better show up ready or go home embarrassed. Nwaiwu stressed that Salah isn't the type of opponent you can afford to doze off against—one lapse in concentration and he'll punish you ruthlessly.

The Nigerian defender was full of respect for his Trabzonspor teammate, highlighting Salah's complete arsenal as an attacker. Technical ability, game intelligence, pace—the 34-year-old has it all, and he's shown it already in Turkish football. In his debut for the club, Salah bagged two goals against Istanbul Basaksehir and nearly had a third. He's only played a handful of matches since his free-transfer move from Liverpool, where he netted 257 goals in nine years, but he's already making an impression in the Super Lig.

What's interesting from a betting angle: when Salah faces defences that respect him fully, he tends to deliver. If you're tracking Trabzonspor's attack this season, Nwaiwu's warning tells you everything—Salah will keep scoring if opponents take him lightly. For punters eyeing Turkish football, watching how opposing teams adjust to him will be key. Salah signed a two-year deal worth £280,000 weekly after his Liverpool exit, so Trabzonspor made a serious investment. Nwaiwu's message to every defender in the Super Lig is simple: prepare or perish.

Based on original reporting by Complete Sports. Read the original at completesports.com →

#Mohamed Salah#Trabzonspor#Super Eagles

Nwaiwu: ‘Every Player Who Plays Against Salah Needs To Be Very Prepared’

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