Nigeria’s Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is set to end his game drought when they play Sierra Leone later this month. The Nottingham Forest star has not played for Nigeria since September 2022 but made the cut for the upcoming game in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. In an exclusive interview with Soccernet.ng, Awoniyi expressed his excitement to return to the national team, stating that it is a privilege to receive the call-up.
Awoniyi missed the game against Portugal last November due to his lack of form, and he was also unavailable for the double-header against Guinea-Bissau due to an injury. However, the 24-year-old striker returned to action in April while the Premier League was on. He scored five goals in Forest’s last three games, helping them avoid relegation and earning himself a call-up to the national team.
In the interview, Awoniyi emphasized the importance of putting in one’s best when given the opportunity to play for the national team. He acknowledged that being called up is a big honour and privilege, but no player can be on the team forever. Awoniyi also highlighted the abundance of Nigerian talent in football, citing the number of Nigerian players doing well in various leagues worldwide.
Though Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen is expected to lead the line for Nigeria, Awoniyi would hope to get an opportunity to end his game drought and score a goal for the Super Eagles. With the game against Sierra Leone approaching, fans will be eagerly anticipating the return of Awoniyi to the national team and his performance on the field.
