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Taiwo Awoniyi returned to the Super Eagles after 709 days away from the national team, earning a late recall to Nigeria’s squad for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Coventry City striker was called up on Sunday to replace Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of the two qualifying matches as he continues to recover from a right adductor muscle strain. The Nigerian Football Federation confirmed Awoniyi’s inclusion through the Super Eagles’ official channels.
Awoniyi’s return marks his first appearance for the national team since October 11, 2024, when he played for 16 minutes in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Libya.
The 29-year-old will now provide another attacking option for coach Éric Chelle as the Super Eagles begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 AFCON Finals. Project Reports
Osimhen excluded
Awoniyi’s recall came after the NFF confirmed that Osimhen would miss both September qualifiers as his recovery from a muscle injury took longer than expected.
The Galatasaray striker was injured during the Turkish Super Lig match against Istanbul Başakşehir on 4 September and was forced off in the 33rd minute. Subsequent tests highlighted a muscle strain in the right thigh/adductor area.
Osimhen was initially included in Chelle’s squad in the hope that he would recover in time for the international window. However, his continued absence from Galatasaray’s squad for their 19 September league match against Trabzonspor effectively ruled him out of Nigeria’s first qualifiers.
Nigeria host Madagascar on September 25 before facing Guinea-Bissau four days later on September 29.
Awoniyi has another opportunity
Awoniyi was initially left out of the 24-man squad announced for September’s qualifiers, but Osimhen’s withdrawal opened the door for his return.
His recall gives Chelle another experienced centre-forward with previous international experience as Nigeria prepares for two important matches.
The Coventry City striker moved to the newly promoted English side from Nottingham Forest during the current transfer window and will now have the opportunity to re-establish himself in the national team.
Awoniyi has previously been an important part of Nigeria’s attacking line-up, particularly during the time he competed with other established forwards for a place in the Super Eagles squad.
His latest invitation comes almost two years after his last international appearance and gives him the opportunity to make his case under Chelle.
The 709 day wait ends
The interval between Awoniyi’s last appearance and his last recall is exactly 709 days.
His last outing came in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Libya on 11 October 2024, when he was introduced for the final 16 minutes.
Since then, injuries and competition for places have limited his involvement in the national team.
His latest recall therefore represents a significant return for the striker, who will now join an attacking group that includes Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare.
Awoniyi will be hoping to make the most of the opportunity as Nigeria prepare to open their qualifying campaign without Osimhen.
The Eagles begin their AFCON campaign
Nigeria is in Group L of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania.
The Super Eagles’ immediate task is to secure maximum points in their opening matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as they begin their bid to reach the continental tournament to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in 2027.
With Osimhen unavailable, Chelle will now have to adjust his attacking options, while the return of Awoniyi provides the coach with another recognized striker ahead of the double-header.
For Awoniyi, the recall represents the end of a 709-day wait and another opportunity to relaunch his international career with the Super Eagles.
