Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi earned a late call-up to the Super Eagles squad after Victor Osimhen withdrew from Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying squad, with manager Éric Chelle selecting him as the Galatasaray striker’s replacement.
Awoniyi has returned to the Super Eagles after nearly two years away from the national team, with his last appearance coming in an AFCON qualifier against Libya in November 2024.
The 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup winner is delighted to be back with the Super Eagles, describing representing his country as one of the dreams of every footballer.
"It's always an honour to be here. It's always a great privilege. For every player, representing your country is one of your dreams. I'm thankful to God and appreciate that I've been able to achieve that so far," Awoniyi said to Football Fans Tribe.
With Osimhen unavailable to face Madagascar, several strikers are competing for a starting spot, including Awoniyi, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and new boy George Ilenikhena.
Awoniyi played down the importance of who starts, insisting that every player in the squad is capable of making an impact when called upon.
"Everyone is able to start, everyone is here, and big shout-out to Victor Osimhen because I've always said that he's a good friend of mine, a respectful person and, for me, the best striker in the world with what he has achieved," Awoniyi said.
"For sure, every striker that is here is able to do it, so whenever you are called upon, just be ready to give yourself to the country and deliver for the country.
"The focus will be to get the points and victory, which is the most important thing for the country. This is our country, we just have to give our all to get the victory no matter what."
Awoniyi has experienced a difficult start to the Premier League campaign with Coventry City, who have lost four of their opening five matches, while the striker was sent off in their defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.
"Everyone knows the Premier League is one of the toughest leagues in the world and, for us as Premier League newcomers from the Championship, we always knew it would take time, but I believe it will be well," he concluded.
Awoniyi was a member of the Super Eagles squad to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring in a group game against Sudan.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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