Nwaiwu says 100% focus is needed to stop Salah after 2-1 win

Trabzonspor’s 2-1 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir underlined the danger Mohamed Salah poses in the Turkish Super Lig, with the Egyptian scoring twice. Super Eagles centre-back Chibuike Nwaiwu says defenders must be fully prepared and concentrated to contain the Liverpool star.

Nwaiwu, who plays for Trabzonspor, said Salah is not the kind of opponent who can be removed from a match through routine defending. He believes a defender facing the 34-year-old must reach complete physical and mental readiness before attempting to limit his influence.

Salah struck in the eighth minute and added another goal three minutes after the interval, restoring Trabzonspor’s advantage. He also had two late efforts disallowed, one because of a foul and the other for offside, giving further weight to Nwaiwu’s assessment of the challenge he presents.

The Nigerian defender identified Salah’s movement, changes of direction and ability to attack open space as key threats. Those qualities allow the forward to exploit a defence before it has time to reorganise, meaning even a brief lapse can create a decisive opening.

Salah began his league campaign as a 58th-minute substitute in Trabzonspor’s 1-1 draw at Kasımpaşa. He then started the Europa League play-off first leg against Ferencváros, where he met André Onana’s long pass in the eighth minute before seeing a narrow-angle attempt saved by Dénes Dibusz.

Trabzonspor go into Thursday’s Europa League play-off second leg behind 1-0 from the opening match. Their recent results include the draw at Kasımpaşa and the 2-1 domestic victory, while Nwaiwu’s warning reflects the demands awaiting any defender assigned to Salah in the Super Lig or Europe.