Taiwo Awoniyi has said that missing out on qualifying for the Qatar 2022 World Cup is still fresh in the minds of the Super Eagles players.
The Eagles were edged out by rivals Black Stars of Ghana following a 1-1 draw in Abuja in the second leg. The first leg in Kumasi ended 0-0.
In the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Eagles are third on two points, after drawing their opening two games with Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
They will resume the qualifiers in June against South Africa in Uyo before traveling to Côte d’Ivoire to face Benin Republic.
Looking forward to the double header fixtures, Awoniyi told Oganla Media:”We didn’t qualify for the last World Cup and it’s in everyone’s mind 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.”
On Monday, the NFF officially unveiled Finidi George as the new Eagles head coach.
Finidi was assistant to José Peseiro who took the team to the final of the AFCON 2023.
“For me I think being the assistant of the Super Eagles and with what he has achieved for the country, for me it is the humility he has shown to the players and like I always said everyone deserve a great opportunity,” Awoniyi said.
“We have a lot of players and we have a good coach in Nigeria as well and we hope to get it right on the field of play.”
3 Comments
We need this guy in the squad when fit. Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface and Taiwo Awoniyi our Best point men in SE, In fact I won’t pin Boniface to Pointman Role in SE if any player should be given Free room to roam in that foward attack it should be Victor Boniface. Osimhen and Awoniyi and compete with each other for 9 role that is if Awo can manage to stay fit.
We will see how it plays out and it is up to the coach.
Ikpeba played as number 9 for Monaco but was converted to a winger in the Super Eagles, a role he played very well.
I’ve always maintained that Boni, Awo, and Osi are the top three forward players for the national team. May be Moffi or Dessers can complement the list.
Its up to the coach to figure out the right formation that can accommodate at least two of these guys in the starting line-up. Lookman/Tella can operate as the link.Orban/Iwobi/ Fisayo to compete for #10.
Onyeka/Samson/Yusuf, Ndidi/Onyedika/Olawoyi, AFCON defence snd Nwabali/Okoye.