Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up to replace Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles confirmed Awoniyi’s inclusion as Osimhen was ruled out of the two matches after failing to recover from a muscle injury in time for the international window.
Awoniyi, who plays for Coventry City, returns to the Super Eagles after previously representing Nigeria at senior level. His last appearance for the national team came in October 2024 during Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Libya in an AFCON qualifier.
Osimhen ruled out of qualifiers
Osimhen was initially included in head coach Éric Chelle’s 24-man squad for the September qualifiers, with hopes that he would recover in time.
However, his recovery from a muscle strain took longer than expected. His absence from Galatasaray’s league match against Trabzonspor further confirmed that he would not be ready for Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures.
The Super Eagles will therefore begin their qualifying campaign without the Galatasaray striker, who has been one of Nigeria’s main attacking players in recent years.
Awoniyi gets another chance with the Super Eagles
Awoniyi’s recall gives Chelle another option in attack as Nigeria prepare for the two qualifying matches.
The 29-year-old recently joined Coventry City after leaving Nottingham Forest and will now have the opportunity to return to the national team setup after almost two years away.
He joins an attacking group that includes players such as Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze and Tolu Arokodare.
When will Nigeria play?
Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25.
The Super Eagles will then travel to Guinea-Bissau to face the Wild Dogs on Tuesday, September 29.
Awoniyi’s inclusion adds another attacking option for Chelle ahead of the two matches, while Osimhen will continue his recovery from injury.
For Nigeria, attention will now turn to the opening qualifiers and how the Super Eagles adjust to the absence of their regular attacking option.