Union Berlin coach comments on Awoniyi's potential inclusion in Nigeria's AFCON squad

Published: November 22, 2021

Union Berlin manager Urs Fischer has admitted that he would be delighted if Taiwo Awoniyi is included on the Super Eagles roster for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Should the former Liverpool man be on the plane to Cameroon, he would miss four Bundesliga matches against Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim, Borussia Monchengladbach and Augsburg, plus the derby against Hertha Berlin in the DFB Cup.

Awoniyi has slipped down the pecking order of center forwards in the Super Eagles following the return of Odion Ighalo to the national team.

Apart from the Al-Shabab star, Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Paul Onuachu and Terem Moffi are above Awoniyi in manager Gernot Rohr's pecking order.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has permitted participating countries to name up to 28 players in the squad list for AFCON 2021, increasing the chances of Awoniyi gatecrashing the squad.

The 2013 U17 World Cup winner made his senior debut in the home fixture against Central African Republic last month but was omitted from the roster for this month's internationals.

"We don't worry about it and of course we have it on our radar," Fischer said to regional newspaper Berliner Kurier.

"What could be nicer than representing your colors? Even if he doesn't help us, we would be happy for Taiwo".

Awoniyi has been in scintillating form since joining Union Berlin in July 2021, scoring 13 goals and setting up two others in 20 outings across all competitions.

Igho Kingsley

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