Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up to replace injured Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles confirmed Awoniyi’s inclusion on Sunday, September 20, after Galatasaray striker Osimhen was ruled out of Nigeria’s upcoming qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The development comes as a major change to head coach Eric Chelle’s attacking plans, with Osimhen initially included in the squad for the September international window.
However, the striker’s recovery from a right adductor muscle injury has taken longer than expected, forcing him to remain with Galatasaray for further treatment.
The Super Eagles announced Awoniyi’s replacement on their official X account, stating that the Coventry City striker would take Osimhen’s place for the two AFCON qualifiers.
“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 team announced.
Awoniyi’s return gives Chelle another experienced option in attack as Nigeria prepare for two important competitive fixtures.
The 29-year-old forward recently moved to newly promoted Premier League side Coventry City from Nottingham Forest in a deal reportedly worth £9 million. His return to the national team provides an opportunity to compete for a starting role at a time when Nigeria have lost their leading striker to injury.
Osimhen’s absence was confirmed after he failed to recover in time for the qualifiers.
The Galatasaray forward suffered the adductor problem earlier in September and was subsequently unavailable for his club’s Turkish Super Lig fixture against Trabzonspor on September 19. That match had been regarded as an important fitness checkpoint for both Galatasaray and Nigeria as they monitored his recovery.
However, Osimhen remained under treatment and was ultimately ruled out of the Super Eagles’ first two AFCON qualifying matches.
Nigeria will face Madagascar on September 25 before travelling into another important encounter against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
The two matches will mark the beginning of Nigeria’s campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, making Osimhen’s absence an unwanted setback for Chelle.
The Super Eagles coach had initially selected a strong attacking group featuring Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Tolu Arokodare.
With Osimhen now unavailable, Chelle will have to reconsider how he structures his attack.
Awoniyi brings considerable experience to the squad. The striker has previously represented Nigeria at senior level and has been part of the national team setup on several occasions. His physical presence, ability to run behind defenders and experience playing in the Premier League provide Chelle with another option at centre-forward.
His return also comes after a difficult period with injuries that previously interrupted his international career.
Awoniyi had been absent from the Super Eagles for an extended period before returning to the squad in 2024. Injuries had repeatedly disrupted his progress, including a groin problem that affected his availability for Nigeria during previous international windows.
The striker will now have an opportunity to make an immediate impact as Nigeria begin their latest quest for continental qualification.
However, Awoniyi is not the only option available to Chelle.
Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams were already included among the forwards selected for the AFCON qualifiers. Arokodare has made an impressive start to the season with Ajax, while Adams has also been contributing goals in Italy.
The squad also includes George Ilenikhena, who received his first senior Nigeria call-up alongside goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and defender Isaac James.
The competition for the centre-forward position could therefore become one of the major talking points ahead of the Madagascar game.
Nigeria will be expected to make a strong start to the qualifying campaign, but Chelle must now prepare for the opening fixtures without the striker who has been one of the team’s most important attacking players in recent years.
Osimhen’s continued rehabilitation means his return to the Super Eagles will depend on his recovery rather than the immediate demands of the national team.
For Awoniyi, meanwhile, the call-up represents another opportunity to re-establish himself as an important option for Nigeria.
The Super Eagles will begin their campaign against Madagascar on September 25 before facing Guinea-Bissau four days later.
With Osimhen unavailable, the spotlight will now turn to Awoniyi and the other forwards as Nigeria look to start their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign on a positive note.
Nigeria’s opening AFCON qualifiers
September 25: Nigeria vs Madagascar
September 29: Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria
