Former Liverpool striker Awoniyi gets Nigeria invite after brace against Mainz 05

Published: October 03, 2021

Union Berlin goal-poacher Taiwo Awoniyi has received a late call-up to the Super Eagles ahead of the national team's back-to-back World Cup qualifying matches against Central African Republic.

The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed on Sunday evening that the former Liverpool striker has been called up to replace the injured Lorient striker Terem Moffi for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

In a Ligue 1 match today, Moffi landed awkwardly after a duel with the Clermont goalkeeper and was pictured holding his right collarbone as he was helped off the pitch in the 71st minute.

The 22-year-old was not included on Nigeria's initial roster unveiled last Thursday but got an invite only after Everton winger Alex Iwobi picked up an injury.

Awoniyi has been in brilliant form in the new season, scoring eight goals in twelve appearances across all competitions including his brace against Mainz 05 on Sunday evening.

An U17 World Cup winner with the Golden Eaglets in 2013, he also has caps for the Flying Eagles and Olympic Eagles but has yet to make his debut for the senior team.

Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr suggested last month that Awoniyi was fifth choice in his pecking order of center forwards behind Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Paul Onuachu and Terem Moffi.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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