Taiwo Awoniyi: 2 questions Super Eagles striker must answer after replacing Osimhen

Taiwo Awoniyi has been handed an unexpected opportunity to revive his Super Eagles career after being called up to replace injured Victor Osimhen for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Coventry City striker was initially left out of Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad for the September fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, having last represented Nigeria in October 2024.

But Osimhen’s continued absence has changed the situation, with the Galatasaray forward ruled out after his recovery from a right-adductor injury took longer than expected.

Awoniyi’s return comes at an intriguing moment in his career. The 29-year-old left Nottingham Forest for Coventry in August after struggling for regular opportunities at Forest, and he has made four Premier League appearances for his new club this season.

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. 🦅#SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/L5MMPoCpEU

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 20, 2026

However, his latest outing ended badly when he was sent off during Coventry’s 5-0 defeat to Brighton, leaving him suspended for three matches.

His recall now raises two important questions ahead of Nigeria’s qualifiers.

Can Taiwo Awoniyi rediscover his form?

The first question concerns form. Awoniyi’s return to the Super Eagles is not being driven by a spectacular run of goals at Coventry. He has played 234 Premier League minutes this season without scoring or assisting.

That makes this opportunity very important. Before his move to Coventry, Awoniyi had spent four seasons at Nottingham Forest, scoring 21 Premier League goals in 90 appearances. Last season, despite his limited involvement, he managed four goals and one assist in 17 league appearances.

There is a proven Premier League striker in there, but Chelle now needs to see evidence of that player again.

Awoniyi has previously shown that his greatest qualities are not limited to finishing. His physical strength, ability to run beyond defenders and willingness to compete with centre-backs can give Nigeria a different attacking profile.

That could become valuable without Osimhen, but being an alternative to the ex-Napoli man is not the same as replacing his output.

Awoniyi does not need to become Osimhen. He needs to demonstrate that he can consistently turn his own strengths into goal for the Super Eagles.

Can Awoniyi convince Chelle he belongs in the squad beyond this emergency call-up?

The second question is more important for his international future. Awoniyi’s latest invitation is the result of circumstances. Osimhen’s injury opened a vacancy, and Chelle has chosen him to fill it.

The striker now has an opportunity to change the nature of that relationship.

Awoniyi last played for Nigeria in October 2024, featuring for 16 minutes in the 1-0 victory over Libya in a 2025 AFCON qualifier.

His relationship with the national team has also had its complications. Awoniyi revealed in June that he had spoken with Chelle before Nigeria’s Unity Cup and friendly matches but opted out because of personal matters. Now, circumstances have brought him back.

The challenge is ensuring that his return does not become another brief appearance before he disappears from Chelle’s plans again.

That makes the September qualifiers an opportunity to remind the coach of what he can offer when everyone is fit.

Awoniyi’s timing is not perfect. His club form is still developing, and his red card against Brighton has interrupted his momentum at Coventry, but international football can change a player’s trajectory quickly.

With Osimhen unavailable, Chelle has given Awoniyi another door into the Super Eagles.

The striker’s task is to make sure he does not simply walk through it because someone else is injured, but stays there because his performances give the coach a reason to keep him.