Opening-Day Hat-Trick: Can Awoniyi Make Nigerian Premier League History?

Taiwo Awoniyi has the opportunity to make Nigerian Premier League history when he begins his Coventry City career against Arsenal on the opening day of the 2026/27 season.

The Nigeria international, who joined newly promoted Coventry City from Nottingham Forest, faces a daunting first assignment as the Sky Blues travel to the Emirates Stadium on August 21. But the fixture could also provide Awoniyi with the perfect stage to make history.

The 29-year-old will be hoping to continue his impressive scoring record against Arsenal and become the first Nigerian to score a Premier League hat-trick on the opening day.

Awoniyi has already shown that he can trouble the Gunners. He scored for Nottingham Forest in their opening match of the 2023/24 season, although Forest eventually lost 2-1 to Arsenal.

That goal was also the latest addition to Awoniyi’s strong record against the north London club. He has scored three times in six Premier League appearances against Arsenal, making them one of his most productive opponents.

Only Chelsea have conceded more Premier League goals to the Nigerian, with Awoniyi finding the net four times in six appearances against the Blues.

His record against Arsenal adds an intriguing dimension to Coventry’s opening-day trip to north London. Awoniyi has never scored a Premier League hat-trick on the opening day, but his previous success against the Gunners means he will arrive at the Emirates with a proven record of troubling Arsenal’s defence.

Opening-day Premier League hat-tricks have been rare, with players including Mick Quinn, Matt Le Tissier, Fabrizio Ravanelli, Kevin Campbell, Dion Dublin, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Didier Drogba, Raheem Sterling, Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes having achieved the feat.

Awoniyi now has the chance to join that exclusive group while creating a first for Nigeria.