Taiwo Awoniyi has been officially called into Nigeria’s squad to replace injured striker Victor Osimhen for the Super Eagles’ opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea Bissau.

The Super Eagles confirmed the squad change on Sunday, September 20, following confirmation that Osimhen will not recover in time for the two qualifying matches.

Awoniyi, who plays for Coventry City in England, will now join Eric Chelle’s squad as Nigeria prepares to begin its campaign for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The announcement represents a new development after Osimhen’s withdrawal had previously been confirmed.

SUPER EAGLES CONFIRM AWONIYI CALL UP

Nigeria announced Awoniyi’s inclusion through the official Super Eagles social media account.

The national team confirmed that the 29 year old striker would take Osimhen’s place for the matches against Madagascar and Guinea Bissau.

Awoniyi was not included in Chelle’s original squad for the international window.

His late invitation gives Nigeria another experienced centre forward as the technical team reorganises its attack without Osimhen.

OSIMHEN REMAINS SIDELINED

Osimhen was initially selected for the qualifiers despite concerns surrounding his fitness.

The Galatasaray striker has been recovering from a right adductor muscle strain and both his club and the Super Eagles had hoped he would regain sufficient fitness before the international window.

However, his recovery has taken longer than expected.

Osimhen was unavailable for Galatasaray’s league match against Trabzonspor on September 19, which had been regarded as an important test of whether he would be ready to return to competitive action.

Galatasaray subsequently informed the Super Eagles technical team that the striker remained under treatment and would not be available for Nigeria’s matches.

AWONIYI RETURNS TO SUPER EAGLES

The call up brings Awoniyi back into the senior national team setup.

The striker has previously represented Nigeria at both youth and senior levels and has experience playing in the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifying matches.

Awoniyi made his senior Nigeria debut in 2021 and has scored twice for the Super Eagles.

He was part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, where he scored against Sudan during the group stage.

His return provides Chelle with another recognised central striker as Nigeria prepares to navigate the opening qualifiers without Osimhen.

NIGERIA PREPARES FOR MADAGASCAR AND GUINEA BISSAU

Nigeria will begin its AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar before facing Guinea Bissau in its second Group L fixture.

The Super Eagles are grouped alongside Madagascar, Guinea Bissau and Tanzania.

Osimhen’s absence represents a significant change for Chelle because the Galatasaray forward remains one of Nigeria’s leading attacking players.

However, Awoniyi’s inclusion gives the coach another experienced option alongside the other forwards selected for the international window.

The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to preparations as Awoniyi joins the squad following Sunday’s official confirmation.