Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has provided clarity on his absence from Nigeria’s squad for the Super Eagles’ June international friendlies, explaining that his non participation was the result of a personal decision reached in consultation with the national team coaching staff.
The forward, who has experienced a mixed but improving season in the English Premier League, confirmed that he was in communication with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle before the final squad list was released for the fixtures against Poland and Portugal. Despite being considered for selection, Awoniyi ultimately opted out of the international window after discussions with the technical team.
His absence has generated significant discussion among Nigerian football supporters, particularly given his recent return to form at club level. The striker played an important role for Nottingham Forest in the closing stages of the season, contributing crucial goals and performances that helped the club secure valuable results in a highly competitive Premier League campaign.
Awoniyi emphasized that his omission should not be interpreted as a disciplinary issue or technical exclusion. Instead, he explained that personal considerations influenced his decision at this stage of the season, and that the decision was made in mutual understanding with the national team handlers.
The 28 year old last represented Nigeria in October 2024 during a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Libya. Since then, he has remained outside the Super Eagles setup as the team continues to undergo restructuring under the leadership of Eric Chelle, who has been evaluating different attacking options and broadening the squad’s competitive depth.
Nigeria’s current phase of team development has placed emphasis on form, fitness and tactical suitability, with the coaching staff exploring multiple attacking combinations ahead of future competitive fixtures. This approach has created intense competition for places in the forward line, with several players vying for limited positions in the final squad.
Awoniyi’s situation reflects the growing depth available to the Super Eagles in attacking areas. With forwards playing across top European leagues, selection has become increasingly competitive, requiring consistent performance at both club and international levels to maintain a place in the national team setup.
At Nottingham Forest, Awoniyi has endured a challenging season marked by injuries, inconsistent playing time and competition for attacking roles. However, his late season resurgence demonstrated his continued value to the team, particularly in terms of physical presence, movement inside the box and ability to hold up play under pressure.
His performances during the final stretch of the Premier League season were seen as a positive sign, with observers noting improved sharpness and confidence in front of goal. This resurgence had sparked expectations among fans that he would return to the national team for the June fixtures.
However, Awoniyi clarified that his absence was not related to form or fitness concerns imposed by the coaching staff. Instead, he stated that the decision was made after discussions with the national team management, who respected his position and allowed him to step aside for the current international window.
For the Super Eagles, his absence represents the loss of an experienced attacking option at a time when the team is still working to establish consistency in front of goal. Nigeria has struggled in recent matches to maintain attacking fluency, and the coaching staff continues to test different forward combinations to find the most effective formula.
Eric Chelle’s rebuilding process has included the introduction of younger players alongside established internationals, as part of a broader strategy to create a balanced and adaptable squad. This transition phase has opened opportunities for emerging talents while also placing pressure on senior players to maintain high performance levels.
Awoniyi’s international record includes appearances at both youth and senior levels, where he has contributed important goals and provided tactical flexibility in attack. His strength, aerial ability and work rate have often been highlighted as key attributes that suit the physical demands of international football.
Despite his current absence, the striker expressed continued support for the Super Eagles squad selected for the upcoming friendlies against Poland and Portugal. He acknowledged the importance of the matches in helping the team prepare for future competitive challenges and strengthen tactical cohesion.
The fixtures are expected to provide a stern test for Nigeria, with both European opponents offering different tactical challenges. Poland is known for its physical structure and disciplined defensive organization, while Portugal brings technical quality and attacking depth across all areas of the pitch.
Awoniyi’s situation also highlights the modern realities of international football, where player workload management, personal circumstances and club commitments increasingly influence national team availability. This has become particularly relevant for players competing in demanding leagues such as the English Premier League.
Looking ahead, football analysts believe Awoniyi could still play a significant role in future Super Eagles campaigns if he maintains fitness and continues to perform consistently at club level. His experience, combined with his familiarity with international competition, makes him a valuable option for future selections.
For now, the striker remains focused on his club responsibilities with Nottingham Forest, where he is aiming to build on his recent form and secure a stronger position heading into the next season. His long term ambition to remain part of the national team setup remains unchanged, despite his current absence.
As the Super Eagles prepare for their European friendlies, attention will remain on squad performance, tactical development and the emergence of new attacking partnerships. Awoniyi’s clarification provides context to his absence, reinforcing that his relationship with the national team remains intact and open for future involvement.
