Taiwo Awoniyi: Why Coventry City's hot form could spell trouble for Super Eagles striker

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has missed the last two games for his Premier League club, Coventry City, but interestingly, the club’s only two wins of the season have come in those fixtures.

They claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in their last match before the international break. Upon their return to action on Monday, they thrashed Newcastle United 4-1 in what was an unprecedented victory.

Goals from Jack Rudoni, Stephen Mfuni, Matt Grimes, and new signing Sidiki Cherif sealed the victory for Coventry City.

Highlights from our 4-1 win over Newcastle United. 🍿 https://t.co/V1XzZCWJvf
— Coventry City (@CoventryCityFC) October 13, 2026

That took them to six points for the season and 14th on the Premier League table. This is a strong run of form for the newly promoted club, who had suffered four consecutive defeats prior to these two wins.

While this is good news for the club, it might not be ideal for the Super Eagles forward.

Taiwo Awoniyi of Coventry City. Picture credit: ImagoxCody Froggatt/Sportimage

He joined the club from Nottingham Forest in a transfer worth €10.5 million during the summer transfer window, brought in with the expectation that he would serve as the linchpin in attack for the Sky Blues.

However, he failed to deliver in his first four games. In fact, in his fourth appearance against Brighton, he received a red card, effectively handing him a three-match suspension.

What Coventry Form Portends For Taiwo Awoniyi

Coventry City celebrate goal. (Photo credit: ImagoxGodfreyxPitt)

Usually, when a team is playing well and winning games, managers are reluctant to change their lineup, especially during a congested schedule.

So, with the club in winning form, Awoniyi will very likely be benched upon his return this weekend. Frank Lampard will probably opt to reward Cherif and Simms, who have both been scoring, with more playing time.

This weekend, the reigning Championship title holders have a tough battle on their hands as they travel to Tottenham in the Premier League. That will be a difficult assignment, and taking anything from the encounter would be a massive result.

Although Awoniyi is more accustomed to playing against top Premier League clubs than the other contenders for the striker role, he may still have to settle for a place on the bench.

Consequently, the Super Eagles star must make the most of any opportunity that comes his way. If he fails to capitalize, he could quickly drop down the pecking order.