Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi has spoken highly of newly appointed Super Eagles manager Finidi George.
Finidi was appointed as the successor to Jose Peseiro two weeks ago but was officially unveiled on Monday at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) headquarters. The 53-year-old has been given a two-year contract and has been leading the Super Eagles since March.
He is anticipated to continue preparing the team for the pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin next month.
🎙️Chat with @taiwoawoniyi18 🎙️
What Taiwo Awoniyi said about the new Super Eagles coach, Finidi George in Nottingham and the FIFA World Cup dreams.
👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/jqJK82pLKo
Awoniyi expressed his strong belief in Finidi’s competence and nous to lead the three-time AFCON champions to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, especially after their close miss in the 2022 edition, where they were defeated by Ghana in the playoffs.
Speaking about Finidi’s appointment, Awoniyi told journalist Tobi Adepoju, “I think him being Peseiro’s assistant and with what he has achieved for the country, coupled with the humility he’s shown to the players, he deserves a chance. Like I always say, everyone deserves a great opportunity.
“We have a lot of players and we have a good coach in Nigeria as well. We have a World Cup to qualify and that is what what is in everyone’s head in the national team. Everyone wants to be in the World Cup and I believe every player is looking forward to it to make the country proud.”
As anticipation builds for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin, all eyes are on George as he prepares to announce his Super Eagles squad in the coming days.
With the stakes higher than ever, fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the roster that will spearhead Nigeria’s quest for qualification.
In a positive development, Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi has recovered from his injury, paving the way for his potential inclusion in Finidi’s squad.
Awoniyi, who was recently invited for the friendlies against Ghana and Mali but had to withdraw due to injury, is now back to full fitness and eager to contribute to the team’s success.
The 26-year-old’s return to fitness comes as a welcome boost for the Super Eagles, as his form and potential make him a compelling candidate for selection.
His ability in front of goal and dynamic playing style could provide a significant boost to the team’s attacking lineup.
The inclusion of Awoniyi adds another dimension to the team’s prospects for the qualifiers. Nigerian football fans are eagerly awaiting George’s squad announcement, hopeful for a successful campaign on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
The Super Eagles have yet to pick a win the two games played so far-drawing both.
The competition for starting spots in the Super Eagles setup has intensified, with fans and neutrals alike speculating on whether Awoniyi has what it takes to start ahead of Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface in the team.
Despite Awoniyi’s talent, the road to starting ahead of Osimhen and Boniface won’t be easy. Both players have had remarkable season at their respective clubs.
Osimhen’s clinical finishing and Boniface’s versatility offering valuable assets to the team. Awoniyi faces stiff competition from the two Victors, requiring him to showcase exceptional form and consistency to stake his claim for a starting berth.
Only time will tell if Awoniyi has what it takes to rise to the occasion and make his mark in the Super Eagles setup.
Awoniyi was summoned by Gernot Rohr in late 2021 to join Nigeria’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
He marked his debut for the Super Eagles in a 1–0 loss to the Central African Republic. Following this, he earned a spot in Nigeria’s lineup for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, where he served as the primary striker for the duration of the tournament.
During Nigeria’s group stage match against Sudan, Awoniyi notched his lone goal of the tournament in a 3–1 victory.
With a total of eight caps for Nigeria, he has contributed two goals to the national team’s cause.
Godfred Budu, a Ghanaian sports journalist, brings a dynamic perspective to the field with over a decade of experience. Having contributed to esteemed platforms such as Kickgh.com and Inkandkicks.com. Godfred is recognised for his insightful commentary and in-depth analysis of African football.
His passion for storytelling and commitment to accuracy have established him as a trusted authority in sports journalism in Ghana, captivating audiences with his engaging narratives and unparalleled expertise.
Godfred holds a degree in Integrated Development Studies (Social and Development Administration option) from the University for Development Studies, Ghana.
African football, our passion
Afrik-Foot, with a rich history of over 13 years of covering African football and Nigerian football, is a reliable source for news on events like the Africa Cup of Nations, NPFL and CAF Champions League. The platform also keeps you updated on the Super Eagles and other African players in Europe and African clubs.
© Afrik-Foot – 2024
