Nigerian football fans have received exciting news as Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up to the Super Eagles. This marks his first call-up in two years, and he will join the team for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Awoniyi's inclusion was announced via the Super Eagles' official social media accounts on Sunday, following the confirmation of Victor Osimhen's withdrawal due to injury.
Awoniyi's last appearance for the Super Eagles was during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya in Uyo, where Nigeria won 1-0. He played for 16 minutes in that game. The 29-year-old has made 10 appearances for Nigeria since his senior international debut in 2021, scoring two goals. Despite his impressive club form, Awoniyi has struggled with injuries, particularly around international windows, limiting his involvement with the national team.
Victor Osimhen's absence was confirmed after the Galatasaray striker was initially included in the 24-man squad announced last Thursday. According to a statement from the team's media officer, Promise Efoghe, Osimhen's recovery from a muscle strain has been slower than expected. He was initially expected to be fit for the Super Lig game versus Trabzonspor and ready for the international window, but his absence from Saturday's match confirms that he will not be ready for Nigeria's matches.
Awoniyi, who recently switched from Nottingham Forest to newly promoted Coventry City, will hope to get the nod from Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle to lead the line. He faces competition from other forwards, including Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, and Rafiu Durosinmi, who have all been making strong cases with their respective club form. Awoniyi's deepest run at the Africa Cup of Nations came at the 2021 tournament, which was played in Cameroon in 2022, where he led the line alongside Kelechi Iheanacho.
Osimhen was also ruled out of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations through injury, leaving Awoniyi to spearhead Nigeria's attack. During the tournament, he scored his first international goal in the Super Eagles' 3-1 win over Sudan. In 2023, Awoniyi also formed a striking partnership with Osimhen under Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, although the combination was short-lived.
The Super Eagles will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29. Awoniyi's call-up is a significant boost to the team, and fans will be eager to see him in action. The Coventry City striker will look to make a lasting impact and prove himself as a valuable asset to the team.
With Awoniyi's inclusion, the Super Eagles are expected to field a strong squad for the upcoming qualifiers. The team will look to secure crucial wins against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau to advance in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Fans will be keeping a close eye on the team's performance, and Awoniyi's contribution will be crucial in determining the team's success.
Key points
- Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up to the Super Eagles for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, replacing injured Victor Osimhen.
