Taiwo Awoniyi has been drafted into Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after Victor Osimhen was ruled out with an injury.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has turned to the Coventry City striker as Nigeria prepares for back-to-back qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau later this month.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed Awoniyi’s inclusion on Monday through the Super Eagles’ official X account, welcoming the striker back to the national team.
Awoniyi’s return comes after Osimhen suffered a right adductor muscle strain that has prevented him from recovering in time for the September international window.
The Galatasaray striker had initially been named in Chelle’s squad despite fitness concerns, but his continued absence from club action ultimately ruled him out of Nigeria’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
Osimhen missed Galatasaray’s Turkish Süper Lig meeting with Trabzonspor on September 19, a fixture that had been regarded as a potential test of his readiness ahead of the international break.
With Osimhen unavailable, Chelle has opted for Awoniyi, who recently completed a reported £9 million move from Nottingham Forest to newly promoted Coventry City.
The 29-year-old will now have another opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s push for a place at the 2027 AFCON, having previously featured for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria will open its qualifying campaign at home against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later, on September 29.
The Super Eagles are also scheduled to play Russia in an international friendly on October 6, although Awoniyi’s latest call-up covers the two AFCON qualifying matches.
His inclusion gives Chelle another attacking option as Nigeria begins its campaign for qualification to the next edition of Africa’s premier international football tournament.
