Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, has welcomed back striker Taiwo Awoniyi after a 709-day absence. Awoniyi was called up to replace Victor Osimhen, who is recovering from a right adductor muscle strain. The Coventry City striker's return marks his first appearance in the national-team setup since October 11, 2024. Awoniyi will provide another attacking option for head coach Éric Chelle as the Super Eagles begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 AFCON finals.
Awoniyi's recall came after the Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that Osimhen would miss both September qualifiers due to his prolonged recovery from a muscle injury. Osimhen sustained the injury during his club's Turkish Super Lig match against Istanbul Başakşehir on September 4. Subsequent examinations revealed a muscle strain affecting his right thigh/adductor area. His continued absence from Galatasaray's squad for their September 19 league encounter with Trabzonspor effectively ruled him out of Nigeria's opening qualifiers.
Nigeria will host Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later on September 29. Awoniyi's return gives Chelle another experienced centre-forward with previous international experience as Nigeria prepare for two important fixtures. The Coventry City forward moved to the newly promoted English side from Nottingham Forest during the current transfer window and will now have an opportunity to re-establish himself in the national team.
Awoniyi was initially left out of the 24-man squad announced for the September qualifiers, but Osimhen's withdrawal has opened the door for his return. His latest invitation comes almost two years after his last international appearance and gives him an opportunity to make his case under Chelle. Awoniyi has previously been an important part of Nigeria's attacking setup, particularly during the period when he competed with other established strikers for a place in the Super Eagles squad.
The gap between Awoniyi's last appearance and his latest recall is exactly 709 days. His last outing came in Nigeria's 1-0 win over Libya on October 11, 2024, when he was introduced for the final 16 minutes. Since then, injuries and competition for places have limited his involvement with the national side. His latest recall therefore represents a significant return for the striker, who will now join an attacking group that includes Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare.
Nigeria are in Group L of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania. The Super Eagles' immediate task is to secure maximum points from the opening fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as they begin their bid to reach the continental tournament scheduled to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in 2027. With Osimhen unavailable, Chelle will now have to adjust his attacking options, while Awoniyi's return provides the coach with another recognised striker ahead of the double-header.
For Awoniyi, the recall represents the end of a 709-day wait and another opportunity to revive his international career with the Super Eagles. The 29-year-old will be hoping to make the most of the opportunity as Nigeria prepare to open their qualifying campaign without Osimhen. Awoniyi's experience and skills will be crucial in helping the team achieve their goal of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON finals.
Key points
- Taiwo Awoniyi recalled to Super Eagles after 709-day absence
- Victor Osimhen ruled out of AFCON 2027 qualifiers due to injury
- Nigeria to face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in AFCON 2027 qualifiers
