Taiwo Awoniyi, the 27-year-old striker from Nottingham Forest, has expressed robust perception in Nigeria’s possibilities in opposition to Benin Republic because the Tremendous Eagles put together for his or her 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Saturday on the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
The Tremendous Eagles, who’re aiming for his or her twenty first look within the prestigious event, will face the Cheetahs in what guarantees to be an exciting encounter. Nigeria’s latest 2-1 comeback victory over Benin Republic within the June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers has set a assured tone for this match.
Awoniyi, who has returned to the nationwide staff after a ten-month damage absence, spoke to Flashscore.com.ng about his optimism for the upcoming match. “We all know what’s at stake. For the truth that we misplaced in opposition to them, and the second issue is that we’re enjoying at house now, this ought to be to our benefit,” he said.
The ahead, identified for his sharp instincts in entrance of aim, emphasised the significance of teamwork and dedication. “Like I’ve at all times stated, soccer is about doing effectively for your self, working onerous as a staff and enjoying for one another. If we do this, I consider we could have the three factors as a result of we’ve got the skills.”
Following the conflict with Benin Republic, Nigeria will journey to Kigali to face Rwanda’s senior nationwide staff at Stade Amahoro. Regardless of Rwanda’s spectacular document, with just one defeat of their final seven matches, Awoniyi stays unfazed. “For us, it’s one thing large relating to enjoying for the Tremendous Eagles. I believe we’ve got what it takes to win,” he added.
The Tremendous Eagles have not too long ago undergone a training change. Bruno Labbadia, who was introduced as the brand new head coach, left the place simply 4 days later as a consequence of problems with German tax rules. Augustine Eguavoen has been appointed as interim coach amidst the continued AFCON qualifiers.
Addressing considerations in regards to the teaching upheaval, Awoniyi reassured that the staff stays centered on their efficiency. “Our job is to play soccer and we go away that facet for the directors to deal with. For me and my colleagues, we simply need to go on the market and do the very best for the nation, that’s it.”
Awoniyi’s return is especially vital as he missed the 2023 AFCON as a consequence of an damage sustained throughout a World Cup qualifier in opposition to Lesotho. He stays optimistic about his function and the staff’s prospects, emphasizing the collective effort over particular person positions.
“Enjoying for the Tremendous Eagles is a superb privilege for each participant and everybody needs to be a part of it. All of us are doing very effectively for ourselves and enjoying for the Tremendous Eagles is like giving again what the nation has given to us. And we’re doing that as a staff,” Awoniyi concluded.