Chibuike Nwaiwu Hit With Two-Match Europa League Ban

Nigeria defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has been handed a two-match UEFA Europa League suspension following his dismissal in Trabzonspor’s 1-0 playoff first-leg defeat to Ferencváros.

The 23-year-old centre-back received his marching orders late in the encounter at Papara Park, where Trabzonspor were edged by Kristoffer Zachariassen’s 17th-minute goal.

According to Ireporter Online, Nwaiwu’s suspension means he will miss Thursday’s crucial second-leg clash in Budapest as Trabzonspor attempt to overturn the 1-0 deficit and secure their place in the Europa League league phase.

The defender will also be unavailable for Trabzonspor’s opening league-phase fixture should the Turkish side successfully progress past Ferencváros.

Nwaiwu’s absence represents a setback for Trabzonspor, with the Nigerian having become an important defensive option since joining the club from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC in January.

The 23-year-old has featured twice in the Turkish league this season and has continued to establish himself within the squad.

Trabzonspor will now have to find a way past the Hungarian champions without Nwaiwu as they seek to keep their European campaign alive.