Awoniyi opens up on June friendlies omission

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has revealed he declined a call-up to the Nigerian national team for the upcoming June friendlies due to personal reasons. Awoniyi confirmed discussions with Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle prior to the invitations being issued but ultimately chose to withdraw.

Despite his return to form at Nottingham Forest, Awoniyi was a notable omission from the squads for the Unity Cup and the friendlies against Poland and Portugal. His last appearance for the Super Eagles was a brief 16-minute stint in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya in October 2024. He has also missed the last two AFCON tournaments.

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I was supposed to be in the Super Eagles camp, but I opted out because of personal reasons I have to attend to.

"I was supposed to be in the Super Eagles camp, but I opted out because of personal reasons I have to attend to," Awoniyi told SportsBoom. He emphasized the depth of talent within the Nigerian squad, adding, "We have lots of talents in the Super Eagles, so for me, everyone that is in the team for the June friendlies is as good as me, just as I’m as good as them."

Awoniyi faced fitness challenges during parts of the previous season but finished strongly, helping Forest avoid relegation. His late-season resurgence included a brace against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in May, bringing his tally to four goals and one assist in 17 appearances. This season, he made only two starts before the campaign concluded.

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We have lots of talents in the Super Eagles, so for me, everyone that is in the team for the June friendlies is as good as me, just as I’m as good as them.