The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Taiwo Awoniyi

  • Taiwo Awoniyi -It’s nice to break records, better to win games

    Taiwo Awoniyi -It’s nice to break records, better to win games

    Still smarting in the euphoria of picking up from his exploit last season and scoring in the opening matches of the Premier League this season, Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is happy that he has also helped the team to win important matches.

    He said it is better for the team to win games than to score individual honours. “Breaking records is good but I’m happier when we win matches,” said Awoniyi.  

    The Nigerian player, who ended last season with six goals in four Premier League matches, has scored in each of Forest’s opening three games this season he says he would be happier winning matches for his team.

    Though, he scored against EPL top teams Arsenal and Manchester United, Forest ended on the losing side on both occasions.

    Forest crashed 2-1 to Arsenal while United came back to win 3-2.

    The Super Eagles player said he works hard and looks forward to improve in all aspect of his game, whether it’s finishing, or holding up plays that feel so comfortable for him and he wants to do it more to help the team.

    “If possible, in every game I want to score but I also want to help my team. As a striker, you have to help the team, bringing them to play, running in behind, and disturbing opponents’ defense because you are the man up front.

    Read Also:TAIWO AWONIYI: My goals were result of hard work

    “There are things you need to do more behind the scenes, drills during off-season, it’s all about relentless and giving it all.”

    “For me, I’m very pleased and happy with the way things are going, not just for me but the whole squad with the way we have come back into the new season and going in the right place.”

    “Looking at last season with the new guys coming in, we are trying to get together and we are getting familiar with one another, so we are trying to improve beyond where we were last season and that is what we are doing presently,” he stated.

    ”I know what my mate is doing on and off the pitch and we kind of understand one another better and that’s why the goals are coming, When you learn to start playing together as a team, the points will start coming.”

    The Kwara-born star, whose career kicked off in England with Liverpool, before he left for Germany on loan, said he has faced challenges all his life. The difficulties have made him tough.

    OBSTACLES

    He said of his past and growing up Nigeria in another interview.

    “There is pressure in football but for many African players, growing up is difficult. In some cases they have seen the other side of life and that helps.

    “I’ve been in a situation as a child where I had to go to bed without food. There are times I had to walk an hour just to get to a training ground.“My dad is a retired officer and his earnings were not enough to cater for the whole family so growing up was really tough. Sometimes you are the one who has to find means for yourself.

    “Of course your mum and dad want to do everything they can for you but growing up, you see limits of what they can do. The best you can do is try to help as much as you can.

    “This is what really inspired me to be who I am today. It gave me the courage to think if I can go through all this, I can go through anything, even the worst parts of life.

    “Everyone wants to have a better life and I have adapted to many situations. Wherever I needed to go, I went. If it was Germany, Holland or the UK, that’s fine.

    “I’ve gone through different stages of difficulty and it helps me on the pitch. I’ve had to work things out for myself. It’s helpful to have been through those experiences.”

    Awoniyi’s calmness derives from the obstacles he has overcome to arrive at this point, which means he treats sporting pressure as a privilege. Awoniyi is the first player from Kwara state, in the west of Nigeria, to make it to the Premier League.

    He joined Liverpool aged 18 but was not granted a work permit, so he had seven different loan spells in three countries before he signed for Forest last summer, for £17.5million, from Union Berlin.

    Awoniyi’s first season at Forest was interrupted by a three-month injury absence but he still made a valuable contribution with 10 league goals. His tally included winners against West Ham, Liverpool, Southampton and Arsenal, which helped secure the points to keep Steve Cooper’s team in the league.

    The strike against Liverpool on October 22 last year felt particularly significant. Awoniyi realised a childhood dream when he signed for the Reds in 2015, but at first he was unable to secure a work permit because he was not part of the senior Nigeria squad.

    Though Awoniyi performed well on loan in Holland, Belgium and Germany, it was not enough to make the breakthrough at Anfield, where Jurgen Klopp was in charge of one of Europe’s strongest squads.

    It was a conversation with Klopp, however, that persuaded Awoniyi to accept a permanent move to Union Berlin in 2021, after another impressive loan stint.

    ‘It was my first pre-season training camp with Liverpool when the offer from Union came in,’ recalls Awoniyi. ‘Jurgen Klopp told me, “I think it’s good for you, Taiwo, because if a club is really pushing for you then it shows how much they believe in you.”

    ‘Those words really stuck with me. He is someone I really respect a lot. When I was out on loan he would always keep in touch with me.

    “And after I scored the winner against Liverpool, he said, ‘Hey Taiwo, well played.’ “So many people from Liverpool texted me after the game saying, we are happy for you, we are proud of your journey. It was a great feeling.”

    In all these challenges, Awoniyi has remained calm and grateful.

    BACK TO THE ROOTS

    Awoniyi is grateful for the tutelage that his tough background has impacted on him. And to show his appreciation, he has returned home at the slightest opportunity to impact on the community.

    After leading Forest out of relegation zone , he came back home to give to his alma mater and community, and his passion for football and philanthropic activities have endeared him to the hearts of many people in the state.

    He developed his skills playing football on the streets of Ilorin- Kwara State and soon joined a local football Unicorn Football Academy, where he was discovered by a talent scout who spotted his raw talent and potential.

    Awoniyi moved to Imperial Academy where he made his professional debut and soon became a key player for the club.

    His impressive performances caught the attention of top football clubs in Europe, and in 2015, he was signed by Liverpool FC in England.

    He has launched several philanthropic initiatives in the state, aimed at improving the lives of young people and promoting the development of football in the region.

    During the Premiership break, Awoniyi visited Ilorin General Hospital unannounced to support the needy and patients who can’t afford certain bills or the other.

    He even took the bill of a cancer patient who needed around half a million naira to complete a circle ahead of the next stage of her treatment.

    One of his major initiatives is the Awoniyi Youth Football Tournament, which he launched in 2019, the competition is now dubbed “Never Stop Dreaming Cup”.

    The tournament is aimed at identifying and nurturing young football talents in Kwara State, and providing them with an opportunity to showcase their skills on a national and international level.

    The tournament features several teams from across the state, and provides young players with an opportunity to learn from coaches and football professionals.

    Awoniyi has also launched a scholarship scheme for young people in Kwara State, aimed at ensuring that children from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to education.

    The scheme provides financial assistance to children in need, covering the cost of school fees, uniforms, books, and other school supplies.

    As a result of his philanthropic activities, Awoniyi has become a role model for many young people in Kwara State. His commitment to giving back to his community, and promoting the development of football and education, has earned him the respect and admiration of people in the state.

    This attracted the state governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq who hosted him in his office in July.

    He said of Awoniyi during the meeting. “he has contributed hugely to the growth of local football talents by helping young people to shine like him. Similarly, he has continued to give back to the communities that raised him in various areas, including education and healthcare. That typifies good leadership and a great connection to his roots.”

    After signing 30 players last season, Forest have been quieter in the market this summer and this may be another demanding campaign for Cooper’s men.

    Yet Awoniyi sees clear parallels with Union. Traditionally in the shadow of Hertha in Germany’s capital, Union have been one of the best stories in German football in recent years. Awoniyi’s 15 league goals helped the club finish fifth in 2021-22 before they went one better last season and qualified for the Champions League.

    Nobody would bet on Forest emulating that effort but Union’s achievements have shown Awoniyi what is possible. “It was part of the reason why I came to Forest. Sitting with the manager and the owners, I saw the same thing as when I joined Union. I look at the fans and realise it’s exactly what happened with Union. Forest probably have even more supporters and both sets are as loud as ever.

    ‘There is a family instinct at Forest as there is at Union. So it’s part of the same process. It shows that as long as you have the right set-up and the right plan, you can do anything in football,” added Awoniyi.

  • AWONIYI: Being a loanee can be tough, but I’m happy

    Junior international and 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner with the Golden Eaglets, Taiwo Awoniyi, reflects on his constant loan moves away from Anfield since he was snapped up in 2015 by Liverpool from Imperial Soccer Academy in this conversation with MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN. 

    Very few Nigerian youngsters can bear challenges with an uncanny equanimity as much as Taiwo Awoniyi, the 2013 FIFA -U17 World Cup winner currently on loan at German Bundesliga side Mainz 05.

    Though  Mainz 05 is his fifth  club as a loanee since  he was plucked by the English Premier League side Liverpool  from Imperial Soccer Academy in 2015, Awoniyi  said his route to greater things  in European football  would  be  well  oiled if he can  persevere despite being away from Anfield, the home ground of his parent club in England.

    “Well, I like to be honest,” the 22-year-old Awoniyi began in a conversation with The Nation. “To be on loan (to other clubs) is really challenging for a player because you have to sacrifice a lot and I meaning, you really have to do a lot.”

    It is over four years now that Taiwo was snapped up by Liverpool for a reported fee of about £400,000 but was immediately loaned out to FSV Frankfurt in the 2. Bundesliga to gain useful experience. But upon FSV Frankfurt relegation, Liverpool then sent  him  on a season-long loan  to Dutch Eredivisie side, NEC Nijmegen  where he unfortunately suffered his second consecutive relegation. The following season, he was further farmed away to Royal Excel Mouscron on a season-long loan.  He made a scoring debut on his 20th birthday (12th August 2017) in the Belgian Jupiler League match against KSC Lokeren. Awoniyi indeed blossomed at Royal Excel Mouscron and   was remarkably named in the Belgian First Division A Team of the Week for five successive times. Altogether, he tallied an impressive run of 29 matches  with nine goals while at Royal Excel Mouscron.

    Impressed with his  rising profile even as a loanee in Belgium, Liverpool  then  gave him a long-time deal   before sending  away yet on loan  first to Belgian club, KAA Gent in the summer of 2018   and then back to Mouscron  in the January 2019 Transfer window.

    “ I won’t say I’m  disappointed being placed on loan to several clubs by Liverpool,” the amiable Awoniyi  who joined Mainz 05 on a season-long loan in August 2019 stated matter-of-factly.  “Being on loan have really helped me to be who I am today and  I’ve really developed  myself better than who I was in the past years .

    “ Frankly, it is really challenging to be honest.  I had  better chances of  leaving Liverpool last  summer because a lot of clubs really wanted  to buy me but Liverpool said ‘we are not selling him’ and  that  shows the kind of interest they have in me.

    “I think they are still hoping I can still get a work permit but  I have to keep on working hard at what I’m  doing.

    “I have to keep enjoying  the game and developing myself for the future. ,” he said.

    Awoniyi  has developed a great deal over the years  and no longer the baby-faced teenager that once represented  the country at the U-15  and U-17 levels.

    He is no macho in outlook especially looking at him on television fuelling comparison with  notable former Nigerian internationals like Daniel ‘Da Bull’ Amokachi and Yakubu ‘Yakubull’ Aiyegbeni  who equally had the typical ‘Hollywood hunk.’

    “I was really small during my days in the national U-17 team,” admitted Awoniyi who scored some of the goals that helped the Flying Eagles to win the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2015. “ I could  also remember that  when I got to Europe,  it was difficult for me to compete with the guys because  they looked so strong than me.

    “The coach (at FSV Frankfurt)  in Germany gave me some rigorous exercise so that I can be stronger and for me to be able to use my body well on the field of play.

    “This was  what really helped me to be who I am today physically.”

    Though a  great admirer of  Argentine Lionel Messi, the Barcelona forward who  was recently crowned the World Best Player for a record fifth time,  Awoniyi said it was  from the rival Cristiano Ronaldo that  he has taken his own   puritanical devotion to the game.

    “Of course, they (Messi and Ronaldo)  are both great players to be respected,” he said in apt reference to the never-ending debate about the greatest player on planet earth currently.

    “ Thanks to someone like Ronaldo, I think he makes the game more competitive for Messi and that’s one thing I believe everyone should respect him for.

    “But Messi is my favourite because he  does things with  easy and makes football looks so  easy. He’s for sure the best.

    “ Ronaldo is an example of hard work  and talent  and he is an example that  one can achieve whatever you determine to be.”

    One aspect of Ronaldo’s life style that Awoniyi has taken in his stride is the Portuguese’s devotion to physicality and fitness as he shares secret of his current mannish appearance:

    “I’m just trying to work more on my upper body and do more on strengthening my legs and I just laughed it off when people compare my appearance with Amokachi and Aiyegbeni.

    “These (Amokachi and Aiyegbeni) are players that did  very well playing  for the country  during their days and I watched some of their play but  I’m not as big as they were.

    “Honestly, I just want to be the best I can be for myself; and for my family and hopefully the future will be better,” noted Awoniyi as he speaks about the national U-23 campaign for a ticket to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics amongst sundry issues. Excerpts…

    Can you reflect  on the victory in Senegal with the Olympic Eagles in 2015 and what  is the chance of the current team at the  next tournament in Egypt?

    I was part of last Olympic  national U-23 team that won the AFCON in Senegal. It was one of my best moments. I could remember it was amazing for the team in Senegal where  we won the gold medal even though I was injured. I am glad we won at the end and the  victory was sweet. That’s just the truth about football when you win,  everyone is your friend.  That’s football. But I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t make the team to the Olympic Games in Brazil. I think it was not my time then or it was  not yet my opportunity to play at  the Olympic Games.

    What do you think about the quality of players  in the current team? I will there is so much quality in this team (Olympic Eagles) and I think we can go far with the kind of players that have been in the team. The coach (Imama Amakapabo) is really working so well because even when we come together even for some days, everyone can see the difference in the team. I think the coaches are really doing a great work in the team and I believe everything is possible in football. I believe the team will do well by God’s grace at the U-23 AFCON in Egypt.

    How much of weight do you carry and what specific area of your body are you working on?

    I think it just 84kg. It just looks as if I am big. I am not that big. When people see me they say you look bigger on TV but when we see you, you are not as big as we think you are. I think I just work on my upper body to be a bit stronger than before.

    What about swimming and how much time do you devote to swimming and the gym. How much time do you devote to all these?

    When I was in Belgium I go to gym after training section and sometimes even on my off day I try to gym but don’t know how to swim. I am not a great swimmer. I try swimming sometimes but I am not that good at it.

    What is your boot size, Taiwo?

    It’s 44 for my boot size

    Nike or adidas which do you prefer?

    It’s Nike. I chose Nike because I have been using it for a long time. They have been sponsoring me so I’m so comfortable with the boot

    Looking at your contemporaries in the current Olympic Eagles team, which player excites you the most?

    I will say the team captain ( Azubuike Okechukwu) because when you see him playing even as a player if you are there you will still want to fight the way he fights because he shows courage, commitment and he shows a lot of things for the team. He is always there at the midfield from the blast of the whistle to the last minute. He’s an exceptional talent and a good handler of the ball.

    You have played in Germany, Holland and Belgium, where did you get more physical training?

    The first time was in Germany where I pick all the training from so when I went to Holland we have a section that we have to work out every afternoon on Wednesday and this is when it’s started. So, when I got to Belgium I kept on doing it just to be stronger than before.

  • Awoniyi watches as Mainz 05 suffer 6-1 demolition

     

    Liverpool ace Taiwo Awoniyi watched from the bench as Mainz05 were taken to the cleaners by Bayern Munich in the Germany Bundesliga on Saturday.

    Awoniyi who was listed but not fielded in the match it will be recalled enjoyed about 25 minutes action in the home tie against Borussia Mgladbach which ended 3-1 in favour of the visitors last week but was not in action against rampaging Bayern Munich on Saturday.

    Mainz had shot into the lead in the 6th minute thanks to Jean-Paul Boëtius to the surprise of the home fans at the Allianz arena but it took Bayern 30 minutes to equalize through Benjamin Pavard and from then on it was goals galore for the Niko Kovač tutored side.

    Nigeria born Austria international David Alaba and Robert Lewandowski were all on target. Mainz05 have thus conceded 9 goals in two matches scoring two. Mainz will next host Hertha BSC next week and will be hoping to return to winning ways and offer their fans opportunity to smile again.

     Ndidi and teammates celebrate

    Awoniyi who was left out in Gernot Rohr’s squad to the last Nations cup is among the players lined up for September 10 international friendly against Ukraine in Kyiv.

    In the English Premier League it was all smiles for super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi as Leicester City beat visiting Bournemouth 3-1 at the King Power Stadium. The Nigerian international as usual was in action for the entire duration of the match with compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho not listed.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Awoniyi, Jamilu Collins lose  at home to Mgladbach/Freburg

     

    Mainz Loanee  Taiwo Awoniyi was in action for 25 minutes Saturday as Bundesliga side Mainz were humbled at home by visiting Borussia mgladbach.

    The Nigerian was ushered into the pitch in the 65th minute as substitute for consolation goal scorer Robin Quaison.

    The Swede had opened scoring for the homers in the 18th minute of the game to the delight of supporters who saw the early lead as an indication that it would be a day of bountiful harvest.

    But the reverse turned out to be the case as the visitors leveled in the 31st minute thanks to Stefan Lainer.

    Borussia mgladbach doubled the lead in the 77th minute just within 12 minutes of action for Awoniyi. The situation rather than improve for Awoniyi and his teammates got worse with a third goal for the visitors two minutes later.

    SC Paderborn ace Jamilu Collins

    Attempts by the homers to remedy the situation proved abortive. Mainz enjoyed a minimal possession advantage in the ratio of 51 to 49 which nonetheless failed to produce an advantage in the score line.

    Super Eagles left back Jamilu Collins equally had a bad day as his SC Paderborn were equally beaten by the same margin at home by Freiburg.

    Collins was in action for the entire duration of the game which saw SC Paderborn shoot into the lead as early as the third minute through Streli Mamba.

    The early lead however came to nothing after the visitors earned and converted a penalty in the 21st minute followed by two more goals scored in the 40th and 90th minutes respectively.

    Awoniyi and his teammates will now be hoping to earn a point when they face Bayern Munich away next Saturday while Collins and teammates will look forward to the tie against Obafemi Martins former club Wolfsburg on the same day.

  • Taiwo Awoniyi plays for five minutes in Mainz 3-0 defeat

     

    Junior international and Liverpool winger Taiwo Awoniyi was in action for five minutes on Saturday as Mainz05 suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Freiburg in the Germany Bundesliga.

    Awoniyi who began a season loan deal with Mainz early this month, was brought in as replacement for Edimilson Fernandes in the 85th minute with Mainz already two goals down.

    The former Olympic team ace had hardly settled down when rampaging Freiburg took the goal tally to three thanks to homeboy Gian-Luca Waldschmidt who converted an 87th minute penalty.

    Taiwo Awoniyi in action

    Although Awoniyi and his teammates managed to mount pressures on their hosts and retaining a 49 to 51 possession ratio they however failed to remedy the situation as Freiburg remained resolute gingered by their teeming home supporters.

    The three goals scored by the homers came within seven minutes.

    Awoniyi who joined Liverpool in 2015, has since been on loan to five clubs beginning with FSV Frankfurt, and stopping over at NEC, Royal Excel Mouscron, Gent and finally Mainz.

    The 22 year old has made cumulative 85 appearances for the loan clubs scoring 19 goals in the bargain.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Taiwo Awoniyi: Secrets of my goal scoring form with Mouscron

    Youth international Taiwo Awoniyi has been in excellent shape since his transfer during the January Window from AAK Genk to Royal Excel Mouscron. The 21-year-old now speaks about his new-found scoring form that has earned him five times nominations in the Belgian Jupiler Pro-League Team of the Week in an interesting conversation with MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN.

    Being named in the Belgian First Division A Team of the Week for five successive times is not a mean achievement and Nigerian youth international Taiwo Awoniyi, currently on fire with Royal Excel Mouscron, has admitted the Jupiler Pro-League (JPL) is the perfect place to hone the skill of aspiring footballers.

    It is over three decades ago that the late former national team captain and coach Stephen Keshi blazed the Belgian train when he joined Sporting Club Lokeren  from Ivorian side Africa Sports in 1986 and ever since  the JPL has been the Mecca for Nigerian footballers.

    Apart from the late Big Boss, former international striker Daniel Amokachi also made his mark at Club Brugge while the trio of Victor Ikpeba, Sunday Oliseh and goalkeeper Alloy Agu were standard bearers at Standard Liege in the 1990s.Other Nigerians that were household names in Belgium during their heyday include Celestine Babayaro who won the annual Ebony Shoe Award for the best African or African origin player in the Belgian league.

    Meanwhile, at the beginning of the 2017/2018 season, Awoniyi who duly has a valid contract (with Liverpool), was sent on loan to Royal Excel Mouscron where he performed creditably well  by scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in all competitions and was rewarded by the English Premier League (EPL) side with another five-year long contract.

    Afterwards, he was loaned yet again to KAA Gent to swell the numbers of Nigerians at De Bufallos (The Buffalos) to three in addition to Philip Azango and Anderson Esiti.

    But the youngster did not really find his scoring form at the Ghelamco Arena as he fired blank in 16 JPL matches at the close of last year to warrant his return to Royal Excel Mouscron for the second time in his exciting career.

    His arrival at Mouscron during the January transfer window has coincided with his rich vein in form and he has since scored six impressive goals in seven matches.

    “The Belgian League is a good foundation  for Nigerian players  to gain more experience about European football,” Awoniyi, who previously had stints as loanee from Liverpool at FSV Frankfurt and NEC Nijmegen in the Dutch Eredivisie, stated in an interview with The Nation. “We grew up in Nigeria being able to fight for yourself and I think this is a good place because from our background, it’s always about power and speed.

    “It is true that the Belgian league has been a very good place for many Nigerian footballers; here they know that Victor Osimhen is one of the young talents for the Nigerian team and in the world. Personally, I think the Belgian league is ideal for Nigerian players because everybody knows the mentality of Nigerian players about fighting for success.

    “This is good for us (Nigerians) because we have the opportunity to fight through our challenges and this is why this place is good for us and I’m happy most of us are doing well here.”

    Already, Awoniyi has been tagged a sensation following his arrival at Stade Le Canonnier (the home ground of Royal Excel Mouscron)where he has been eminently named five times in the Team of the Week as conducted by the influential Belgian medium Voetbalkrant.

    “Michael Awoniyi has become a sensation at Mouscron,” notedVoetbalkrant writer, Johan Walckiers. “Hardly anything at AAK Gent, but now six goals in seven matches (at Mouscron). Would they have done something wrong in his water in the Ghelamco Arena?”

    According to Walckiers, Awoniyi is now being monitored by other clubs and there is a great possibility that he might soon be prised away on a permanent basis since Liverpool are mulling at the prospect of selling him to the highest bidder.

    “The Reds, who rent him out to Mouscron, would ask no less than 11 million Euros for him,” Walckiersfurther explained.“They put that price on his head when Schalke 04 was on the phone recently; they had already called Jürgen Klopp to discuss the qualities of the striker before that.

    “Liverpool wants to lend him a year because they do not think he is ready for the Premier League but now they also want to include bonuses in the contract.”

    But Awoniyi is seemingly at peace at Mouscron and was reportedly quoted as saying: “Itis not too early to talk about my future, nor do I have it all in my own hands, Liverpool will decide.

    “At this moment, I am a Mouscron player, I want to focus on that. My ambition is to continue the post-New Year life in the coming months.”

    For the meantime, the 21-year-old Awoniyi has further reitreated his confidence to do well with the Les Hurlus, adding that recent JPL Team of the Week nominations can only spur him to greater heights.

    “The Belgian League is a very tough one and being nominated five times in the Team of the Week is good for me as a player,” stated Awoniyi, a FIFA Under-17 World Cup winner in 2013. “But my priority is to help my team achieve its objectives and working hard with my teammates so that we can win our matches.

    “The most important thing is to be part of the team regularly. I think getting into the Belgian Team of the Week is secondary for me because I can only make it by working hard and getting good results with my club every week,”

    Mouscron are currently in a distant 10th position in the 16-team JPL but Awoniyi believes more wins and more goals from his lethal boots can propel  the 97-year-old club within a touching distant at the top.

    “The secret is all about having self-belief and hoping for the best in every situation,”statedAwoniyi a great fan of the workaholic Liverpool’s Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino ‘because he works so hard for the team (Liverpool) and makes the job easier for the team.’

    He continues: “My goal scoring secret is all alsoabout working hard for the team and knowing that the result would come even if it’s not immediate.

    “It’s also about the good understanding with my teammates and for me to keep on working hard personally and generally for the team. I think this is just the secret and I’m grateful to God for this.”

    For now, Awoniyi’s good form with Mouscron has equally elicited huge interest back home but he remains calm despite being omitted by coach Gernot Rohr for the forthcoming international engagements against  the Pirates of Seychelles and Pharaohs of Egypt in Asaba.

    “It would be a great privilege to play for the Super Eagles because we know it’s a team with great talents; to be part of the team is a privilege and honour personally to the player and his family,” noted Awoniyi who was named in the CAF Team of the Tournament when the Flying Eagles won the Total U-20 African Cup of Nations held in Senegal in 2015. “Of course, this is a great dream and prayer of every player to represent the country. I believe anyone would be happy about such development and it’s really something to look forward to as a player.

    “But to be honest, I know that Nigeria has so many great talents and it would therefore be a privilege and honour for anybody to play for the Super Eagles,” noted Awoniyi who, in the meantime, has been drafted to join the U-23 national team, otherwise known as the Olympics Eagles.

    Indeed, Awoniyi has started 2019 in great spirit but he’s upbeat that there are still many rivers to cross for him.  “My objective is to keep on working hard and fighting being a football player; doing the best for myself and my family.

    “We all have our wishes and I have mine which I wouldn’t want to go public with. I’m working hard to ensure that I accomplish all what I have set to do this year.

    “I pray that God continues to watch over my family and everybody to be safe throughout the remaining part of the year.”

    Known for his genial and philanthropic gestures, Awoniyi rounded off his thoughts with a clarion call on the teeming Nigerian youths following recent skirmishes across the country. “My advice for Nigerian youths is to be peaceful and shun violence because we saw through the social media some of the bad things happening in recent times.

    “I understand how life is so difficult in our country especially if you come from a very humble background and you don’t have anyone to assist you.

  • Liverpool place N6.1billion price tag on Taiwo Awoniyi

     

    Any club wishing to buy Taiwo Awoniyi will have to place N6.1billion (about £13m) on Liverpool’s table, it has been revealed.

    Awoniyi who is currently with his fifth club on loan since joining Liverpool in 2015, is yet to make a senior appearances for the Reds because he does not qualify for United Kingdom work permit.

    The former junior international is reportedly being monitored by a number of clubs including German Bundesliga side Schalke. Although Liverpool will be ready to let the 21 year old Centre forward go if as much as £13m is on the table. Awoniyi’s future at Liverpool could change again depending on the United Kingdom’s impending exit from the European Union.

    Sky Sports News understands that Liverpool are keen to retain Awoniyi but remain open to another loan deal if his work permit status is not resolved.

    Awoniyi has spent spells on loan with FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen and Gent, and is currently on his second loan stint in Belgium with Mouscron.

    He has scored six goals in seven games since returning to the club in January, having spent the first half of 2018-19 with their Jupiler Pro League rivals Gent.

    Awoniyi came to limelight in 2010 when he was voted the most valuable player a Coca-Cola football competition in London

    His performance at the competition was spotted by for Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana who made him join Imperial Soccer Academy, to begin his gradual upward improvement.

    He subsequently joined Liverpool on 31st August 2015 for a fee put at £400,000 but was immediately loaned out to FSV Frankfurt.

     

     

     

     

  • TAIWO AWONIYI: I’M OFF TO GENT FOR GOALS AND GLORY

    Following a fresh long-time contract with Liverpool, Taiwo Awoniyi has been farmed out to Belgian club, KAA Gent where he hopes to be among the goals and glory; reports MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN

    Early in the mornings, Taiwo Awoniyi often sets forth at dawn with the popular praise and worship song of Glowreeyah Braimah – Your name is Yahweh – and the former junior international has revealed the reason behind such routine;  admitting his life and football career is nothing but a miracle.

    “My favourite song has been composed and sung by many gospel singers,” began Awoniyi days after he signed another long five-year contract with Liverpool; and before going on with the late night conversation with our correspondent. Awoniyi, yet again, erupted into his favourite melodious chorus:  “Your name is Yahweh; your name is Yahweh; you’re the miracle working God; your name is Yahweh.”

    Awoniyi’s career has been miraculous since he was spotted few years ago on the streets of Ilorin by United Academy Football Club. It was from there Awoniyi went to Imperial Soccer Academy owned by former Nigerian international midfielder, Seyi Olofinjana,  after posting a fine performance at the Copa-Coca Cola tournament  London where he was voted one of the Most Valuable Players.  He would soon be on his way to the national Under-15 side where he played along with the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidera Eze, amongst other budding talents with whom he was promoted to the national U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets class of 2013.

    Sparingly used until the team’s main striker, Isaac Success, copped an injury in the second FIFA U-17 World Cup match against Sweden, Awoniyi seized the moment at the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain by scoring the important equaliser in that nervy 3-3 draw against the Europeans.

    He ended the tournament with four important goals that helped Nigeria to her fourth title at the global cadet championship and his career has been on the upward swing ever since.

    Two years later, his goals also helped the Flying Eagles to a gold-rious finish at the 2015 African Under-20  Nations Cup in Senegal Eagles which qualified the country to the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

    Awoniyi’s potentialities were there for all to see in New Zealand despite the Flying Eagles’ little success since he was snapped up by English Premier League side, Liverpool Football Club.

    “I feel happy and really excited about this new contract with Liverpool and all thanks to God because he made all things possible,” offered Awoniyi with his usual pure smiles. “To be honest, I never see it  (the new contract) coming; all my goal was just to get better and work hard wherever I found myself  but  it’s part of what I asked  God before the beginning of the last season and he made it possible.

    “This is a long-term contract which will keep me as LFC (Liverpool Football Club) player for more years and I know playing for Liverpool is what will happen eventually if I get the work permit and the coach finds me fitting in the style of play of the club

    “But I believe giving me a new contract is due to the trust and belief the club and the coaching staff have in me based on how I’ve  developed  in  the first  three  years (of the initial contract). I just have to work harder and hopefully, God ‘ll make it a success.”

    Awoniyi has every reason to be looking forward to his 21st anniversary on August 12 coupled with his sterling performances as a loanee out of Anfield in the last three years with three different clubs including FSV Frankfurt , NEC Nijmegen and Royal Excel Mouscron.

    Last season, he had the credit of scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in all competitions for Excel Mouscron in the Belgian Jupiler. His fine performance has now been rewarded  during the week with another loan deal to Gent who reportedly finished fourth in the Belgian top-flight last season to secure a spot for the final round of Europa League qualification.

    “I’m not discouraged  in any way  despite the fact that I’ve not been able to play at Anfield with Liverpool since  I’ve been on loan to clubs in Germany, Holland and Belgium,” said Awoniyi who was shockingly left out of the national U-23 team to the Rio 2016 Olympic Football Tournament. “One thing that keeps me going even when I have disappointments is my belief and trust in God.

    “Many times, God has revealed himself to me as God in my life and this alone can never get me discouraged about anything whatsoever in life as a whole. And I must also add that my family has been very important.

    “From the start, playing football is just what I loved and I pray to God to allow my dreams come true and that’s why I chose Liverpool.

    “Going to Gent is good for me; Gent is one of the best clubs in Belgium and with a very nice and good atmosphere to play. It’s an opportunity of another year of hard work and commitment in getting better as a player and hoping to develop more once giving the chance.

    “Of course, I’m going to Gent for goals and glory. I’m going to develop more as a player and for the success of the team; and whatever we achieve as a team will be glory at the end of the championship. God willing, I’ll score goals as well if I have the opportunity.”

    Incidentally as a loanee away from Anfield, Awoniyi has given a rare insight about his experience in Germany, Holland and Belgium in the last three years, adding that it has bolstered his confidence for a better and brighter future.

    He volunteered: “I have had different experiences playing in Germany, Holland and Belgium. It was quite a tough time for me in Holland (with NEC Nijmegen) because I had less chance of playing most of the time. I only got my chance when the club changed the coach towards the end of the season; but the new coach gave me the chance and I was able to I score in the last five games.

    “It was quite different in Belgium. I got enough of playing time with Mouscron immediately I joined them and this helped a lot as the league progressed.

    “Generally, the first two years in Germany and Holland were more of a learning process for me; and I’m still learning and hopefully to get better by the grace of God.

    “Sometimes it is difficult to stay the same all through, most especially when things are not going the way you wish for. I just keep trusting God and doing my best; and hoping it will end in success.”

    Born August 12, 1997, Awoniyi has remarkably featured at all levels of the national team from  the U-15 to the U-23  and he believes he would soon earn his first international cap to follow on the legends of his former teammates that have been so blessed in that regard.

    “Life has taught me lot,” stated the unpretentious guy. “Everyone has been taught one lesson or the other; life has taught me to trust and lean only on God since he alone knows and ordains all things. I believe God is the greatest.

    “It is the dream of every player to be featured for the national team (the Super Eagles), but I have never been disturbed (that some of my former teammates at the youth levels were at Russia 2018) because I know it will one day happen. With my mates that are already there in the Super Eagles, it shows the hard work they’ve put into their game especially with the likes of (Wilfred) Ndidi and (Kelechi) Iheanacho and God has crowned it for them.

    “The rest of us just have to work hard and pray God crown ours as well; hopefully if is destined, I will get there as well God willing.”

    Following the end of FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, the name on the lip of everyone has been that of French youngster Kylian Mbape, but Awoniyi differs on the choice of the most exciting player on planet football at the moment.

    “Currently, my most admired footballer in the world is Roberto Firmino of Liverpool,” stated Awoniyi whose style is being compared with legendary Nigerian striker, Rashid Yekini. “This is simply because he works so hard for the team and he plays more for the team upfront and makes the job easier for others

    “I love his style; I love playing more for the team so that we can get the needed points. Yes, scoring goals is very important, as well as a striker but the team success is more important and I’m counting on God for goals and glory with Gent,” stated Awoniyi.

    Certainly, the rank and file of  De Bufallos (The Buffalos) complete with  three other Nigerians including Samuel Kalu, Moses Simon and Anderson Esiti would be delighted with the arrival of Awoniyi to the Ghelamco Arena as the 2018/2019 Belgian Jupiler season gets underway.

     

    AWONIYI: IN NUMBERS

    1.The number of goals scored by Awoniyi in 13 appearances on his first loan spell from Liverpool with 2. German side, FSV Frankfurt.

     

    2.On his second loan spell with Dutch side NEC Nijmegen, Awoniyi was featured 18 times in all competition but he managed to score just two goals.

     

    4.Awoniyi is a FIFA World Cup U-17 winner with Nigeria in 2013 and he remarkably scored four goals in six matches he featured in as the Golden Eaglets claimed the country’s fourth title in the United Arab Emirates.

     

    5.The number of years for his newly-signed contract with the English Premier League, Liverpool Football Club, after he completed his first three-year contract signed in 2015 for a reported fee of around £400,000.

     

    7. In 2015, Awoniyi’s goals were instrumental to the success of the Flying Eagles at the CAF African U-20 Championship, and was credited with seven goals in both the qualifiers and tournament proper held in Senegal.

     

    9.The  last 2017/2018 season can well be described as Awoniyi’s best moment  so far as a Liverpool  loanee  to Belgian side, Royal Excel Mouscron, where he scored an impressive nine goals in 29 matches to earn him a new contract with the Anfield giants.

     

    16.Awoniyi admitted June 16th 2018 is one of his happiest days after he tied the nuptial knots at a celebrated white wedding in Ilorin with his fiancée, Taiwo Jesudun, after engagement and traditional wedding a day earlier in Kabba.

  • Injury ends Awoniyi’s World Cup dream

    Nigeria U-23 international Taiwo Awoniyi will not play again this season for Belgian First Division A club Royal Excel Mouscron due to injury and this has ended his hope of being a surprise inclusion on the Super Eagles’ World Cup roster.

    The Liverpool loanee was missing from Mouscron’s match day squad against Zulte Waregem (April 14) and Waasland-Beveren (April 17). Now, Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws is reporting that Awoniyi injured the hamstring during the match against KV Kortrijk and has played his last game for Mouscron as Liverpool plans to loan him out to another club next season.

    Since the striker will not play again this season, it is thought he has suffered a grade 2 hamstring injury.  He will miss Mouscron’s next six games in the playoffs against OH Leuven (2), Zulte-Waregem, Waasland-Beveren, Lierse and Kortrijk.

    The 20-year-old netted 10 goals from 31 appearances in all competitions this season and provided seven assists.

  • Korea tourney: Denmark hammer Nigeria 6-2

    Korea tourney: Denmark hammer Nigeria 6-2

    A pathetic Nigeria Olympic team suffered its second straight defeat at the Suwon International Tournament in South Korea losing 2-6 to Denmark on Saturday morning.

    Nigeria had earlier lost 0-1 to hosts Korea in the opening match of the pre-Olympics tournament, africanFootball.com reports.

    The Dream Team went behind in the 26th minute after Erhun Obanor scored against his team from a cross by a Danish player.

    The Danes doubled their lead after 34 minutes, when Emil Larsen fired home.

    Larsen extended Denmark’s lead four minutes later and he completed his hat-trick nine minute after the restart.

    Patrick Da Silva scored a fifth goal for Denmark in the 62nd minute, before Emiliano Marcondes completed the rout with a sixth goal on 75 minutes.

    Substitute Abdulrahman Taiwo netted two consolation goals for Nigeria late in the game to give the score line some respectability.

    Nigeria was again punished for poor finishing with Liverpool striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, the worst culprit.

    Awoniyi’s header in the 13th sailed over the bar narrowly.

    He was also denied a goal with a last-minute clearance on 18 minutes.