Trabzonspor striker Paul Ebere Onuachu has rewarded his former grassroots coach, Hyginus Okoye, with a brand-new car in recognition of his role in shaping his football career.
According to Sports247, the Nigerian international surprised Okoye with the gift in Lagos, appreciating the coach’s contribution during their time together at Young Stars FC in Satellite Town.
Onuachu began his journey through Young Stars FC before moving to FC Ebedie in Sagamu. From there, he secured a move to FC Midtjylland in Denmark through the efforts of the club’s owner and players’ representative, Barrister Churchill Oliseh.
The tall striker later moved to Belgian side KRC Genk, where he established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers.
He scored the winning goal against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League in 2016 and went on to enjoy a successful spell in Belgium.
During the 2020/2021 season, Onuachu scored 33 league goals for Genk to finish as the Belgian league’s top scorer. He also emerged as the league’s best African player in 2021.
The Super Eagles striker continued his impressive goalscoring form at Trabzonspor, finishing as joint-top scorer in the Turkish league during the 2025/2026 season with 22 goals.
Okoye, who served as assistant coach under Young Stars FC founder and head coach Osahon Emokpae, expressed gratitude for the gift, describing it as the best present he had ever received.
The gesture comes after the recent death of Emokpae, who reportedly died from complications related to diabetes. Onuachu was said to have spent more than ₦5 million trying to support the late coach’s medical treatment.
The striker had also gifted Emokpae a car some years ago, highlighting his continued appreciation for the people who helped him during his early football career.
Speaking on the latest gift, Okoye said the car would make travelling to training sessions much easier.
“This is all thanks to Paul Onuachu. Now I don’t have to continue walking when going for training. I’ll just enter my car and calmly drive down. It can only be Paul Onuachu. Just one Onuachu and things become easy. God will continue to bless Paul Onuachu,” he said.
Beyond football, Onuachu has continued to support charitable projects in his ancestral communities in Imo State.
One of his major projects is an ultra-modern health centre valued at ₦612 million in Amakohia, Owerri West Local Government Area, which he is personally funding.
The facility is expected to have consultation rooms, a well-stocked pharmacy, a standard laboratory and emergency services. Qualified medical workers are also expected to be employed to provide long-term healthcare services.
In July 2026, Onuachu also donated more than 50 pairs of football boots, jerseys, training vests, shin guards and footballs to Young Stars FC to support the development of young players.
During his time in England with Southampton, the striker also took part in community support activities, including a clean-up exercise near Medina Mosque organised with members of the club’s Saints Foundation.
His latest gesture to Okoye further highlights his commitment to recognising those who contributed to his journey from grassroots football to the international stage.
