Awoniyi shakes off Super Eagles snub, powers Union Berlin to victory

The former Liverpool man continues to churn out excellent performances for Die Eisernen

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi scored the vital clincher for Union Berlin to help his side claim a 1-0 victory against Cologne.

Awoniyi was not part of the squad for Nigeria’s game against Ghana, but the Super Eagles star rose from the disappointment and powered his side to victory.

Union Berlin hosted Cologne in the first Bundesliga game after the two weeks international break. Both sides have been in similar form, losing just one of their previous five games. However, Cologne, seventh, were above Die Eisernen on the Bundesliga table.

The game started with both sides trying to size up each other. Union Berlin boasts of one of the best defences in the German top-flight, and they looked to use it to their advantage.

Cologne was restricted to just five attempts on goal in the first half, but it resulted in nought, as the first half ended in a goalless stalemate.

However, Union Berlin’s breakthrough came in the second half, as Awoniyi was rewarded for his doggedness. The 24-year-old pounced on a poor pass from Cologne defender Jonas Hector and slotted his 12th goal of the season from close range to give his side the lead.

After going in front, Union Berlin kept it tight at the back, hoping to catch Cologne on the counter. Awoniyi could have scored his second goal of the game in the 87th minute, but Cologne goalkeeper Marvin Schwabe pulled off a brilliant save to stop the Super Eagles star.

Union held on for the remaining embers of the game to see out the 1-0 victory. The win ensures they climb above Cologne to seventh, three points away from a Europa Conference League spot.