Trabzonspor legend Anthony Nwakaeme has publicly vowed to secure one final piece of silverware for the club before his anticipated departure at the end of the current campaign.
The 37-year-old Nigerian striker, whose contract expires in June 2026, expressed his determination to lift the Turkish Cup as a parting gift to the fans who have idolized him for years.
The Final Mission
Nwakaeme, who has struggled for consistent starting minutes this season following the arrival of fellow countryman Paul Onuachu, is focusing all his energy on the cup competition:
- The Semi-Final Clash: Trabzonspor is scheduled to face Gençlerbirliği in the Turkish Cup semi-final next week (Wednesday, May 13, 2026).
- The Target: Having already won the Turkish Cup with the “Black Sea Storm” during his first stint in the 2019/20 season, Nwakaeme wants to bookend his career in Trabzon with the same trophy.
- The Vow: Speaking to local media on Wednesday, May 6, he stated, “I want to leave on a high. Winning the cup is the perfect way to say thank you to the city that became my home.”
The Legend’s Exit Strategy
Reports from NTV Spor and Soccernet.ng suggest that this isn’t just an exit from the club, but likely the end of his playing days:
- Retirement Plans: Nwakaeme is expected to hang up his boots at the end of the 2025/26 season.
- Coaching Role: In a move that has excited Nigerian football fans, Trabzonspor has reportedly offered him a position on the coaching staff starting next season.
- Statue and Legacy: His legacy at the club is already immortalized—literally—with a statue erected in his honor following his pivotal role in their 2021/22 Süper Lig title win.
