The recall of Coventry City of England striker, Taiwo Awoniyi to the Super Eagles has created bolts of excitement among indigenes of Kwara State, where he hails from, with many prayers rolling out in his favour for a successful outing this time out.
Sports247 reports that several posts on social media heralded the former Nottingham Forest of England star’s recall to the Nigerian national team in place of injured Victor Osimhen, whose absence has become a matter of dispute with his club, Galatasaray.
However, while tackling Gala for refusing to release Osimhen, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Sunday confirmed the invitation of Awoniyi in place of the 2023 African Footballer of The Year, much to the delight of his fellow-Kwarans, who rejoiced with the charitable player.
One of the posts on social media noted that Awoniyi ‘is back after 107 days absence’ from the Nigerian national team and wished him good luck, as he links up with the squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea Bissau.
Awoniyi is now expected in Uyo on Monday, as preparations start for Thursday’s home fixture versus Madagascar at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, after which the squad will fly out to Guinea Bissau for their second Group D fixture billed for next week Tuesday.
A post on the Super Eagles official X account added: “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.”
Sports247 gathered further that Eagles’ coach, Éric Chelle will count on the return of Awoniyi to bolster his attacking options for both games, after the NFF confirmed that Osimhen is ruled out, as he continues his recovery from a muscle strain.
