Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, has been called up to replace the injured Victor Osimhen for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed Awoniyi’s recall after Osimhen was ruled out of the two fixtures as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury.
Head coach Éric Chelle has turned to the Coventry City striker to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the crucial Group D double-header.
The Super Eagles announced the change in a brief statement on their official X account.
“Coventry City striker, Taiwo Awoniyi replaces Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Welcome back, Taiwo,” the statement read.
Osimhen sustained the injury while playing for Galatasaray and was subsequently withdrawn from the squad.
Awoniyi, 28, has previously represented Nigeria at senior level and will now join the squad as preparations begin for the qualifiers.
The Super Eagles are expected to open their training camp in Uyo on Monday.
Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, next Thursday.
Chelle’s side will then travel to Bissau for their second Group D fixture against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.
The two matches are crucial to Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON.
With Osimhen unavailable, Awoniyi will provide another attacking option as Chelle looks to secure maximum points from the two encounters.
The Coventry City forward will also compete for a starting role as the Super Eagles begin their campaign for a place at the continental tournament.
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