Southampton icon Francis Benali has called for striker Paul Onuachu to be given more chances after the Nigerian’s appearance in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Soccernet.ng reports.
Benali, who played over 300 times for the Saints, expressed optimism about the 30-year-old’s potential despite the team’s disappointing result.
Onuachu made his long-awaited return to Southampton in that match, 14 months after his last appearance for the club.
He replaced Mateus Fernandes in the 74th minute, having spent the previous season on loan at Turkish side Trabzonspor. In Turkey, the Super Eagles ace had an impressive campaign, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists in 25 matches.
Talks for a permanent move to Trabzonspor fell through during the summer.
Reflecting on the Saints’ defeat to Arsenal, Benali highlighted Onuachu’s positive impact.
Writing for the Daily Echo, he noted, “Although they lost, I felt there was some cause for optimism. The opening goal, scored brilliantly by Cameron Archer, gave us some hope.”
Benali added that while Southampton struggled against Arsenal’s superior quality, Onuachu’s performance was encouraging.
“He made a mark on the team and looks like he could be an option, even though he looked close to an exit this summer. I still think we need to see more from him before we can start asking for him to be a starter, but his performance against Arsenal was a step in the right direction,” Benali explained.
Benali, who spent 16 years at Southampton, concluded by noting that Onuachu’s chance likely came as a result of Ross Stewart’s injury, hinting at more opportunities ahead for the Nigerian striker.