AFCON Qualifiers: Awoniyi replaces injured Osimhen in Super Eagles squad

Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up to replace the injured Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The Super Eagles announced Awoniyi’s inclusion on Sunday through their official X account, welcoming the Coventry City striker back to the national team.

“Welcome back, Taiwo. 🦅

#SoarSuperEagles”

Awoniyi’s recall follows confirmation on Saturday that Osimhen would miss the qualifiers after failing to recover from a muscle strain.

The Galatasaray forward was initially included in Éric Chelle’s 24-man squad after the club and Nigeria’s technical crew had hoped he would regain fitness in time for the international window.

However, his absence from Galatasaray’s Süper Lig fixture against Trabzonspor confirmed that his recovery had taken longer than expected.

The Super Eagles media team subsequently announced that Osimhen would not be available for the two qualifiers.

Awoniyi now provides Chelle with another experienced option in attack as Nigeria begin their Group L campaign.

The Super Eagles will host Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, 25 September, before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau’s Wild Dogs on Tuesday, 29 September.

Awoniyi, who has previously represented Nigeria at the senior level, returns to the squad after missing the team’s most recent assignments.

The 29-year-old’s return gives Chelle another central attacking option alongside Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare, while Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze provide additional options in the forward line.

READ ALSO: Osimhen ruled out of Super Eagles’ AFCON qualifiers

Nigeria enter the qualifiers after finishing third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they defeated Algeria 2-0 in the quarter-finals before losing to eventual champions Morocco in the semi-finals.

The Super Eagles will be seeking to start their qualification campaign with positive results against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as they pursue a place at the 2027 tournament.

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Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES. Twitter: @tundeyeludini