Southampton legend Francis Benali has backed Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu to receive more opportunities following his performance in the Saints’ 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Onuachu, making his long-awaited return to Southampton after 14 months away on loan, replaced Mateus Fernandes in the 74th minute of the match. Despite the defeat, Benali expressed optimism about the 30-year-old’s potential and impact. Last season, Onuachu had an impressive stint at Turkish side Trabzonspor, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists in 25 matches, but a permanent move to Turkey fell through in the summer.
Onuachu’s positive contribution in the match despite Southampton’s struggles against Arsenal’s superior quality. Benali noted that while the Saints were outplayed, Onuachu’s appearance was encouraging and hinted at his potential as an option for the team moving forward.
Benali mentioned that Ross Stewart’s injury likely opened the door for Onuachu’s inclusion, suggesting the Nigerian striker could see more chances to impress in upcoming games. While Benali believes Onuachu still has more to prove before he can be considered a regular starter, the Arsenal game marked a step in the right direction for the Super Eagles star.