…Awoniyi: ‘I’ve managed to achieve everything I’ve always wished for’
Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi has spoken candidly about his long journey to the top level of football, reflecting on the challenges he overcame to reach the Premier League while playing for Nottingham Forest.
The 28-year-old forward, who has endured a difficult season with limited playing opportunities and past injury setbacks, said he remains grateful for how far his career has progressed since his early days growing up in Nigeria.
Awoniyi revealed in an interview with Nottingham forest that his football journey began in the city of Ilorin, where he developed his love for the game as a young child.
“I was born in Nigeria, and I grew up in the city of Ilorin, which is where I started my football career at the age of seven,” he explained.
He began playing at the Unicorn Academy, often spending long hours away from home in pursuit of his dream.
“I started at the now Unicorn Academy, and I was away from home a lot of the time,” he said.
The striker also described the daily commitment required during those early years. “I used to walk an hour to training every day to achieve my dream of becoming a Premier League footballer. That’s how it all began for me.”
Awoniyi recalled that pursuing football in his youth was far from easy, particularly due to financial challenges and the lack of proper facilities.
“It was really difficult getting football boots, going to training, getting money for transport – it was difficult,” he said.
The forward explained that his dedication meant travelling significant distances each day to attend training sessions.
“For me, I had to travel from my father’s house to training, which, as I said, was an hour away, and I had to do that every day.”
In some cases, he had to improvise just to continue playing. “Sometimes I had to make my boots myself; I would go and get boots that were left over and make them up.”
He later received support from his family, but he emphasised that many young players did not have access to proper equipment or facilities.
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“Further along the line, my dad was able to buy them to support me, but not everyone has this privilege or the chance to play on a standard pitch,” he said. “Sometimes we would play on the sand, so it was really difficult.”
Awoniyi first gained international attention at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, where he helped Nigeria win the competition alongside teammates including Kelechi Iheanacho and Akindele Alampasu.
His performances eventually earned him a move to Liverpool FC in 2015. However, he never made a senior appearance for the club and instead spent several seasons on loan in Europe, featuring in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
The striker later settled in Germany with Union Berlin, where his career began to flourish.
After scoring 20 goals in 52 matches under coach Urs Fischer, his performances attracted attention from English clubs.
In 2022, Nottingham Forest secured his services for a reported £20 million, offering him a five-year contract and finally giving him the opportunity to play in the Premier League.
Since arriving at the City Ground, Awoniyi has scored 20 goals in 95 appearances for the club.
However, injuries have disrupted his progress. One of the most serious incidents occurred during a match against Leicester City last season, when he suffered an intestinal injury after colliding with the crossbar, an incident that briefly placed him in a coma.
Despite the obstacles he has faced, Awoniyi said he remains thankful for his career and the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
“It’s really special for me to be where I am now because of how hard I have worked, but it’s something I don’t want to lose either,” he said. “I’m so thankful for every match because I know what it takes to get to where I am today.”
Faith has also played an important role in his journey. “I always have to give thanks to God. I’ve always said there is someone up there who is looking after me, which is my belief.”
Reflecting on his career, the Nigerian forward said he remains proud of the progress he has made since those early days in Ilorin.
“When I look back, I’m always proud of how far I have come because I’ve managed to achieve everything I’ve always wished for.”
Awoniyi’s current campaign has been challenging, with competition for places limiting his opportunities. The striker, who has earned 10 caps for the Nigeria national football team, has started just one Premier League match this season.
Nevertheless, his reflections highlight a career shaped by persistence, resilience and determination — qualities that carried him from modest beginnings in Nigeria to the heights of European football.
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