Awoniyi Urges Nigerians to Support Super Eagles Despite AFCON Snub
Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has appealed to Nigerians to give their full support to the national team as preparations continue for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, despite being left out of the final squad.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, the Nottingham Forest forward said squad selections should be respected and stressed that unity and support from fans are key to the team’s success.
“It is always a good list, no matter the players on it,” Awoniyi said. “Not everyone can be selected. That is something every player must accept, and the country also needs to understand.”
The 28-year-old added that the final decision on squad selection rests with the coaching crew, led by head coach Eric Chelle.
“Once the coach releases the list, it means he knows what he wants,” Awoniyi said. “He has watched the players and made his decision. Everyone needs to accept it, and the whole country should support the boys and give them maximum backing. By God’s grace, the cup will be ours.”
Awoniyi’s omission from the squad is linked to injury concerns. The striker is currently sidelined and is expected to miss Nottingham Forest’s Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground on Saturday.
Speaking about Nottingham Forest’s season, Awoniyi admitted that balancing league and European football has been challenging but remained hopeful about the team’s form.
“We will get back to where we were before,” he said. “We have not played European football for years, and now we are back in Europe. These things affect the team, but we must keep going and improve.”
Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania, as the Super Eagles chase a fourth AFCON title.
The Super Eagles will begin their campaign against Tanzania on December 23, face Tunisia on December 27, and conclude the group stage against Uganda on December 30.
Head coach Eric Chelle will be aiming to lead Nigeria to AFCON glory in Morocco as the team looks to bounce back from its failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
