Super Eagles: Why Taiwo Awoniyi missed Coventry City’s big win over Newcastle

Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi was absent as Coventry City recorded a convincing 4-1 victory over Newcastle United to secure their second league win of the season.

The Sky Blues returned to winning ways in style, thrashing Newcastle in front of their home fans. Jack Rudoni opened the scoring with an early penalty before Sidiki Cherif doubled Coventry’s advantage shortly after the break.

Sven Botman pulled one back for Newcastle, but Ellis Simms and Stephen Mfuni scored to complete the victory for the hosts.

Awoniyi joined Coventry City during the summer transfer window after leaving Nottingham Forest in search of a new chapter in his career.

The Super Eagles forward has since scored once and provided one assist in five appearances across all competitions for the club this season.

However, he has now missed Coventry’s last three matches across all competitions — their last two league games and a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the third round of the EFL Cup in September.

Why Awoniyi missed Coventry’s win over Newcastle

Awoniyi’s absence is linked to a suspension he received following his last appearance for Coventry City.

The Super Eagles forward was sent off during the club’s 5-0 defeat to Brighton last month after catching Maxim De Cuyper in the face with an elbow during a challenge.

He was subsequently handed a three-match ban for violent conduct, ruling him out of Coventry’s next three fixtures across all competitions.

The club have had to manage without the Super Eagles striker during his suspension but have still managed to collect six points from their last two league matches.

Super Eagles star back in contention for selection

According to Rotowire, Awoniyi has served his suspension and is now available for selection again.

His return will provide Coventry City with another attacking option as they look to maintain their momentum following their impressive victory over Newcastle.

The Super Eagles forward was in action for Nigeria during the international break, featuring in the 2-1 win over Madagascar, as well as the 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, where he struggled for impact, in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

He will now be targeting a return to action when Coventry face Tottenham Hotspur next Monday and he will now be hoping to mark his return to action with a goalscoring performance.