“Kudos to my Nigerian big brother” – Taiwo Awoniyi credits the Nigerian star who helped him settle at Union Berlin

The former Golden Eaglets star has adapted to life in Berlin like fish to water, but he admits that it has been possible because of the contributions of a compatriot

Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi has acknowledged the input of fellow Nigerian forward Anthony Ujah in helping him hit the ground running at the club.

Ujah arrived in Union Berlin in 2019, two years earlier than Awoniyi, following impressive spells at Cologne, Werder Bremen, and Mainz.

The Ugbokolo native is one of the most exemplary Nigerians to have ever played in the German top-flight. He is presently the third-highest scoring Nigerian in Bundesliga history with 30 goals.

But injury has limited his impact recently, with the 31-year-old out of action throughout last season and yet to make an appearance this term. He has made the matchday squad six times, though, as he continues his rehabilitation.

But off the pitch, Ujah welcomed Awoniyi with open hands when the younger man arrived from Liverpool, and he provided the secrets to excelling under Union boss Urs Fischer and in the German league. 

The tips have obviously helped as Awoniyi has become the Iron Ones’ all-time top scorer in the Bundesliga with 14 goals. Nine of those have come this season, while he netted five during his loan spell last season.

And the 2013 FIFA u-17 World Cup winner is not in doubt that Ujah’s brotherly love helped him master Fischer’s ways.

“We love doing what he [head coach Urs Fischer] is doing, and that was what integrated me into the team quite early,” Awoniyi told bundesliga.com.

“I’ll also give kudos to my Nigerian big brother, Anthony Ujah because he helped me a lot in getting into the team, he told me stuff [about] what the coach expected and everything. I think those are part of the things that helped me to get going in the team.”

Anthony and Ujah could get the chance to play together for the first time when Union Berlin host Borussia Dortmund at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei on Sunday.