Taiwo Awoniyi has been called into the Super Eagles squad to replace Victor Osimhen for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Coventry City striker gets the opportunity to return to the national team setup after Osimhen was ruled out of the two qualifying fixtures.
Awoniyi’s inclusion provides Nigeria with another experienced attacking option as the Super Eagles prepare for two important matches in their bid to secure qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Osimhen’s absence represents a significant change to Nigeria’s attacking options, given his established role as one of the team’s leading goalscorers.
His replacement now gives Awoniyi the chance to compete for playing time and potentially lead the line for the Super Eagles.
Awoniyi returns to Super Eagles fold
Awoniyi has previously represented Nigeria at senior level and has featured in major international competitions for the country.
His physical presence, movement and experience in European football offer the coaching staff another option in attack.
The striker’s return also comes at an important stage of the AFCON qualifying campaign, with Nigeria set to face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles will be looking to collect maximum points from the two fixtures as they continue their campaign for a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.
Osimhen absence changes attacking options
Osimhen’s withdrawal means Nigeria will have to approach the qualifiers without one of their most prominent attacking players.
The striker has been a central figure in Nigeria’s recent international campaigns, but his absence opens the door for other forwards in the squad to take greater responsibility.
Awoniyi could therefore play an important role, depending on the tactical approach adopted by the Super Eagles coaching staff.
Nigeria will need to maintain their attacking threat against opponents who will also be targeting valuable points in the qualification race.
Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign
The upcoming matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are part of Nigeria’s road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
With Awoniyi now replacing Osimhen, attention will turn to how Nigeria’s attack is reshaped for the qualifiers and whether the Coventry City forward can make the most of his return to the national team.
The Super Eagles will hope that Awoniyi and the other attacking options can provide the goals needed to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the qualification campaign.
