Former Nigeria international Mobi Oparaku has backed Taiwo Awoniyi to make the most of his late Super Eagles call-up, describing the striker as a capable replacement for injured Victor Osimhen ahead of Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Awoniyi was drafted into Éric Chelle’s squad after Osimhen was ruled out of the matches against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau in Bissau four days later.
Oparaku acknowledged that replacing one of Nigeria’s most influential players is a difficult assignment, but believes Awoniyi possesses qualities that can help the national team.
While noting that the former Nottingham Forest striker may not provide the same explosive qualities associated with Osimhen, the Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medallist stressed that Awoniyi has consistently shown he can contribute when given opportunities.
“Awoniyi is a good player,” Oparaku said. “He may not be as explosive as Osimhen, but whenever he is given the opportunity, he does a good job.”
For Oparaku, the call-up also represents more than simply filling the space created by Osimhen’s injury.
He believes Awoniyi must treat the two qualifiers as an opportunity to strengthen his position in Chelle’s plans, particularly with competition for attacking places becoming increasingly intense.
“He has to use this opportunity to cement his position in the national team,” Oparaku added.
Nigeria still have several options in attack, meaning Awoniyi will have to compete for minutes rather than automatically inherit Osimhen’s starting position.
That competition, Oparaku believes, can ultimately benefit the Super Eagles.
For Awoniyi, the equation is therefore straightforward: he has not been summoned to become another Osimhen, but he has been handed another opportunity to show exactly what Taiwo Awoniyi can offer Nigeria.
