Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up to replace Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The decision was confirmed in a statement posted on the Super Eagles’ official X page on Sunday, marking the 29-year-old’s return to the national team as Osimhen continues his recovery from a muscle strain.
“Coventry City striker, Taiwo Awoniyi replaces Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Welcome back, Taiwo,” the statement read.
Since making his Super Eagles debut in 2021, Awoniyi has gone on to make 10 appearances for Nigeria, scoring twice. His last appearance for the national team came in 2024 during Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Libya.
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Awoniyi’s return comes after a decent start to the season with Coventry City, whom he joined from Nottingham Forest. Despite being sent off in the Sky Blues’ 5-0 defeat to Brighton, the forward has been one of the standout performers for the newly-promoted side.
The striker made his Coventry debut against Arsenal before scoring and providing an assist in his first full start for the club, helping the Sky Blues progress to the next round of the Carabao Cup.
His performances caught the attention of head coach Frank Lampard, who subsequently handed him starts in Premier League fixtures against Hull City, Manchester City and Brighton. However, his red card against the Seagulls saw him suspended for Coventry’s next three matches.
With his return to the Super Eagles now confirmed, Awoniyi will look to make the most of the opportunity. Despite competition from several other forwards in the squad, the experienced striker will hope to make an impact whenever he is called upon.
The Super Eagles will begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar on September 25 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
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