Awoniyi Unbothered by Osimhen, Boniface Competition as AFCON Nears
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi says he feels no pressure to outshine fellow Nigerian forwards Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Super Eagles will return to AFCON at the end of the year in Morocco, after finishing top of Group D with 11 points. But Awoniyi, who last played for Nigeria in a 1-0 win over Libya in Uyo, says he’s focused on himself—not on competing with others.
Speaking on the “Humble Boots” podcast, Awoniyi explained:
“I don’t see it as needing to knock anyone off. Football is about timing and momentum. If it’s your moment, it’s your moment. The names don’t matter—Osimhen, Boniface, or whoever—if it’s your time, people will watch you play.”
The 27-year-old added that selection for the Super Eagles isn’t up to the players but to the coaches.
“You can’t decide to be in the starting eleven or the next match. The only thing you can control is how you work on yourself and improve.”
When asked if he tries to do anything special to be picked over Osimhen or Boniface, the former Union Berlin striker said:
“I’ve never tried to be better than anyone else. I just want to be a better version of myself. Everyone has their own path. If I’m not playing, I use the time to improve. When my chance comes—either with Nigeria or Forest—I’ll be ready.”
Even with AFCON fast approaching, Awoniyi insists his mindset won’t change.
“I don’t believe I need to be better than Osimhen or Boniface to go to AFCON. I just need to keep working, get more minutes, score goals. That’s what will take me there.”
Awoniyi has scored two goals in ten appearances for Nigeria. With a four-nation tournament coming up in Brentford involving Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica, he will be aiming to impress Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle and make a return to the squad.
