Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has been suspended for two UEFA matches following the straight red card he received in Trabzonspor’s Europa League play-off defeat to Ferencváros.
The 23-year-old Nigerian centre-back was dismissed deep into stoppage time during Trabzonspor’s 1-0 loss to the Hungarian side at Papara Park on August 20.
Nwaiwu was shown a direct red card in the 90+6th minute after an incident involving a Ferencváros player. The Turkish Football Federation also recorded the dismissal in its official match report.
The sending-off came after Kristoffer Zachariassen had put Ferencváros ahead in the 17th minute.
Trabzonspor pushed for an equaliser but could not find a way through, leaving the Turkish side with a one-goal deficit ahead of the second leg in Budapest.
Nwaiwu to miss crucial Europa League return
UEFA’s disciplinary decision means Nwaiwu will not be available for Trabzonspor’s return meeting with Ferencváros on Thursday, August 27.
The Nigerian defender will also serve the remaining match of his suspension in Trabzonspor’s next UEFA club competition fixture, depending on the outcome of the play-off tie. Turkish reports have confirmed that the two-match punishment extends beyond the second leg.
Nwaiwu’s absence is a setback for Trabzonspor as they attempt to overturn the first-leg result and secure their place in the Europa League league phase.
The club must score in Hungary after failing to find the net in the opening encounter.
Nwaiwu suspension comes at crucial stage
The suspension comes at an important point in Nwaiwu’s European campaign.
The defender had started the first leg and completed 90 minutes before being dismissed in added time. UEFA’s current Europa League records list him with one appearance, 90 minutes and one red card in the 2026/27 competition.
Trabzonspor will now have to cope without the Nigerian defender for the decisive return fixture at the Groupama Arena.
The second leg is scheduled for August 27, with the winner of the tie advancing to the Europa League league phase. The losing side will continue its European campaign in the Conference League league phase.
For Nwaiwu, the immediate task will be to serve his suspension and return to action when eligible, while Trabzonspor attempt to keep their European campaign alive without one of their defensive options.