AFCON: Taiwo Awoniyi to be sidelined for several months

Due to a groyne injury, Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been ruled out for “months” and could miss Nigeria’s match at the postponed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled for early next year.

Taiwo has had surgery and will be sidelined for several months, as stated by Nottingham Forest Head Coach Steve Cooper on Thursday.

“It’s a really unfortunate situation and a blow for him, but we’ll support him and try to get him back as quick and fit as he can be.”

The striker sustained the injury during Nigeria’s 1-1 Group C World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho.

“For a Short While”
The 26-year-old Awoniyi has been crucial to Forest this year. In ten games, the 26-year-old has already scored four goals in the Premier League. He scored ten goals in the domestic campaign the previous season when Cooper’s team fought to avoid relegation.

“With the goals he’s scored and the ones he will score for us, he’s become an important player for us, but to get an injury like this is harsh on him because he’s such a good guy and a good professional who is desperate to do well,” Cooper continued.

“We must assist him as he works to recover and become stronger. He has already done that once at this place, and I have no doubt that he will give it his all once more.

“Considering how well he performed upon his comeback from injury last season, I’m sure that provided him with a solid baseline from which to work.

“He will definitely return this season, but it will take some time because he had groyne surgery.”

The Super Eagles, who are scheduled to compete for the championship at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire next year, will be greatly concerned about his injury. After suffering an injury during Nigeria’s match against Lesotho, Awoniyi had to leave the pitch and go back to England.