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Who is Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Osimhen’s replacement for Nigeria in the 2027 AFCON Qualifiers?
The Premier League striker will replace Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen and Nigeria’s key attacking player in the 2027 AFCON Qualifiers.
Taiwo Awoniyi returns to the Nigeria national team at a crucial moment. The Coventry City striker, who plays in the English Premier League, has been called up by head coach Eric Chelle to replace injured star Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. It will mark his return to the national team after nearly two years away.
THE RETURN, IN THE SAME COMPETITION
Awoniyi’s last appearance for Nigeria came in October 2024, when he played the final 16 minutes of the 1-0 victory over Libya in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. Coincidentally, the 2027 AFCON qualifiers will mark his return to the same competition.
Since then, he was left out of several Nigeria squads, including the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Nigeria failed to secure a spot at the World Cup. Now, Osimhen’s injury has opened the door for the 29-year-old striker to return to the national team.
AWONIYI’S SPECIALTY
In England, Taiwo Awoniyi built much of his reputation at Nottingham Forest, where he arrived in 2022.
His first Premier League season ended with 10 goals, and he played a decisive role in helping the Tricky Trees avoid relegation. He scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in May 2023, a result that mathematically secured Forest’s Premier League survival. He also scored five goals that month.
The West Bridgford side once again battled to stay in the Premier League during the 2023-24 season, finishing 17th with 32 points after a four-point deduction. Awoniyi became one of the players associated with some of the club’s most important moments during those relegation battles.
THE MAJOR BLOW OF OSIMHEN’S ABSENCE
The absence of Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray’s star striker in the Turkish Süper Lig, represents a significant blow for Nigeria.
The 27-year-old forward suffered a muscle injury during the match against Istanbul Basaksehir, with medical tests revealing a moderate-to-severe strain involving the adductor muscles in his right leg. As a result, he was ruled out of Nigeria’s upcoming international fixtures and some of his club commitments.
His importance to the Super Eagles is also reflected in his numbers. Osimhen has scored 35 goals in 45 international appearances and was Nigeria’s leading scorer in 2025, with nine goals.
In 2026, he has scored three goals for the Super Eagles during the 2025 AFCON: a brace against Mozambique in the round of 16 and one goal against Algeria in the quarterfinals.
AWONIYI’S CHALLENGE WITH THE SUPER EAGLES
The challenge begins immediately. Nigeria will face Madagascar on September 25 before traveling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29 in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Both matches will be available LIVE and EXCLUSIVELY on beIN SPORTS USA in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Awoniyi brings physical strength, hold-up play and extensive experience in English football.
However, Osimhen’s absence means Nigeria will have to distribute the offensive responsibility among other forwards, including Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and George Ilenikhena.
