Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr reveals the reason for Taiwo Awoniyi snub

The former Liverpool striker has started the season brilliantly, but it was not enough to earn him a place in the latest Nigeria squad 

Gernot Rohr has revealed that the number of options available to him in Nigeria’s attack is why Taiwo Awoniyi is not included in the latest Super Eagles team.

The German-tactician named a 30-man squad for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde, but there was no place for the in-form Awoniyi.

Awoniyi has finally found his feet at Union Berlin- a club he joined permanently from Liverpool this summer following a successful loan spell.

The 23-year old has been one of Nigeria’s best players in the new European football season. Awoniyi has scored five goals for Union Berlin in six games this season, including three in three Bundesliga matches.

But despite his brilliant start to the season, Rohr could not find a place for him in the Super Eagles squad that will take on Liberia and Cape Verde on Friday and Tuesday.

Speaking ahead of the clash against the Lone Stars, Rohr revealed he could not call up Awoniyi because of the options available to him.

“There are people calling for Awoniyi and other players. We can only invite three strikers. We already have Osimhen, Onuachu & Moffi,” Rohr told the Nigerian media ahead of the match against Liberia.

“There’s also Kelechi Iheanacho, which makes it difficult for Awoniyi. He’s a good player, he will surely get his chance,” he added.

The Super Eagles kick off their 2022 World Cup Qualifying campaign with a home clash against Liberia at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.