Awoniyi Backs Eagles Strikers to Deliver Without Osimhen

Taiwo Awoniyi has backed Nigeria’s other strikers to step up and deliver as the Super Eagles begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign without Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau due to injury, but Awoniyi insists the team has enough quality in attack to cope with his absence.

‘Everyone is able to start, everyone is here,’ Awoniyi told Football Fans Tribe. ‘Big shout-out to Victor Osimhen because I’ve always said that he’s a good friend of mine, a respectful person and, for me, the best striker in the world with what he has achieved.

‘For sure, every striker that is here is able to do it, so whenever you are called upon, just be ready to give yourself to the country and deliver for the country.’

Awoniyi, who returned to the Super Eagles squad as a late replacement for Osimhen, is competing with George Ilenikhena, Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams for a place in Eric Chelle’s starting XI.

The 29-year-old has not played for Nigeria since featuring against Libya in an AFCON qualifier in November 2024.

With Nigeria opening their qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on Thursday, Awoniyi said the team’s priority is to secure maximum points.

‘The focus will be to get the points and victory, which is the most important thing for the country,’ he said. ‘This is our country; we just have to give our all to get the victory no matter what.’