Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi believes any of the strikers in camp has the quality to start against Madagascar, while praising Osimhen ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria will be without Victor Osimhen for the two matches, but Awoniyi has expressed his confidence in the strikers, adding that whoever the coach selects will make a positive impact.

The Coventry City striker went on to heap praise on Victor Osimhen as the best striker in the world while revealing his personal relationship with the Galatasaray forward.

Awoniyi added that the focus of the team is to start the qualifiers with maximum points in both matches, and the team will put everything on the line to achieve the target.

“Everyone is able to start, everyone is here, and 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,” Awoniyi told Football Fans Tribe.

“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.”

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

Taiwo Awoniyi joined the team as a late replacement for Victor Osimhen, who is currently recovering from an injury sustained in a Turkish Super Lig match against Basaksehir.

The 29-year-old returns to the Super Eagles after two years, with his last appearance against Libya in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in November 2024.

Awoniyi also reflected on Coventry City’s difficult start to the Premier League after 25 years of absence. Frank Lampard’s men lost their opening four matches, but the win against his former team Nottingham Forest at City Ground before the international break has eased tension at the club.

“Everyone knows the Premier League is one of the toughest leagues in the world and, for us as Premier League newcomers from the Championship, we always knew it would take time, but I believe it will be well.”

In the absence of Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, George Ilenikhena, Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams will compete for starting spots in Eric Chelle’e’s preferred 4-3-1-2 formation.