2023 AFCON without Taiwo Awoniyi Taiwo is like cake without sugar I feel sad not having the Nottingham Forest striker with the Super Eagles in Abidjan.
There is no doubt that he is greatly missed by the team, Awoniyi is a strike Nigeria needed, his partnership with Victor Osimhen seem perfect. The goal poacher was one striker coach Jose Peseiro was counting on in this tournament. I could recall that in one of his press conference in Uyo where he was asked about the partnership between Awoniyi and Osimhen were he described as being ‘perfect’ adding that Awoniyi needed to be given little chance to get activated.
It was all excitement from the fans during the last match played in Uyo as Awoniyi was the focus point of attention, he was exciting to watch when he touches the ball there were standing ovation from the crowd who were chanting “Awoo Awoo Awoo”.
Then came the injury at the wrong time with just a Month to the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire, It was really a disappointment all we Could pray for his for him to get well soon.
His fans misses him because it would have been an opportunity for them to cerebrate him, it would have also been an opportunity for them to have him sign and autograph and as well take pictures with him.
His philanthropic gesture has proven to be the reason his fan base keep multiplying daily, he has an habit of giving and that is why God Almighty will keep blessing him.
My first encounter with Taiwo Awoniyi was at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World cup in UAE. I was the only photo journalist that went to cover the event, where he did wonderfully well, when he was call to replace injured Isaac Success.
His invitation to super Eagles was a welcome development because no matter amount of foreign football you played without your national team invite your career is not complete. So it was loud welcome both at home, a lot of stakeholders were very happy.
His first match in Lagos was terrific he was name the magic boy.
As soon as Nigeria qualified for the 2022 Nation cup in Abuja, myself and Obj were at the Bolton White hotel to see him and at the gate the crowd were to much people were bard from coming in and he sent for us to meet him he even apologized we should be sorry that the crowd is just to much, with him meet the camp commander Mr Adejoh he pleaded with him “this are my people from ilorin any time you see them accord them my respect.
After Nigeria crashed out of the AFCON 2021 tournament in Cameroon those of us who were from ilorin meet him and he gave us jerseys and cash gift.
Awoniyi is known to be a giver and I can only pray that he gets back on the pitch and get back doing what he knows how to do best.
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