Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi has received his first call-up to the Super Eagles since 2024 after being invited to replace injured Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed Awoniyi’s recall on Sunday, September 20, as the 29-year-old striker returns to the national team after almost two years away.
Awoniyi last featured for Nigeria on October 11, 2024, when he played for 16 minutes during the Super Eagles’ 1–0 victory over Libya. His latest recall marks his return to the national team setup after 709 days.
The former Nottingham Forest forward was initially left out of coach Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad for the September qualifiers but was brought in following Osimhen’s withdrawal due to injury.
Nigeria will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.
The recall gives Awoniyi an opportunity to return to international action as the Super Eagles begin their campaign to secure qualification for the next Africa Cup of Nations.
The striker will now join the rest of the squad ahead of the two qualifying fixtures.
