Taiwo Awoniyi confident of Super Eagles victory ahead of AFCON qualifier
Taiwo Awoniyi, the 27-year-old striker from Nottingham Forest, has expressed strong belief in Nigeria’s chances against Benin Republic as the Super Eagles prepare for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
The Super Eagles, who are aiming for their 21st appearance in the prestigious tournament, will face the Cheetahs in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Nigeria’s recent 2-1 comeback victory over Benin Republic in the June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers has set a confident tone for this match.
Awoniyi, who has returned to the national team after a ten-month injury absence, spoke to Flashscore.com.ng about his optimism for the upcoming match. “We know what is at stake. For the fact that we lost against them, and the second factor is that we are playing at home now, this should be to our advantage,” he stated.
The forward, known for his sharp instincts in front of goal, emphasized the importance of teamwork and determination. “Like I have always said, football is about doing well for yourself, working hard as a team and playing for each other. If we do that, I believe we will have the three points because we have the talents.”
Following the clash with Benin Republic, Nigeria will travel to Kigali to face Rwanda’s senior national team at Stade Amahoro. Despite Rwanda’s impressive record, with only one defeat in their last seven matches, Awoniyi remains unfazed. “For us, it is something big when it comes to playing for the Super Eagles. I think we have what it takes to win,” he added.
The Super Eagles have recently undergone a coaching change. Bruno Labbadia, who was announced as the new head coach, left the position just four days later due to complications with German tax regulations. Augustine Eguavoen has been appointed as interim coach amidst the ongoing AFCON qualifiers.
Addressing concerns about the coaching upheaval, Awoniyi reassured that the team remains focused on their performance. “Our job is to play football and we leave that side for the administrators to handle. For me and my colleagues, we just want to go out there and do the best for the country, that’s it.”
Awoniyi’s return is particularly significant as he missed the 2023 AFCON due to an injury sustained during a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho. He remains optimistic about his role and the team’s prospects, emphasizing the collective effort over individual positions.
“Playing for the Super Eagles is a great privilege for every player and everyone wants to be part of it. We all are doing very well for ourselves and playing for the Super Eagles is like giving back what the country has given to us. And we are doing that as a team,” Awoniyi concluded.
