World Cup qualifiers: Awoniyi in doubt ahead of Lesotho, Zimbabwe clash

Awoniyi missed Nigeria’s last set of games because of an injury, and he may still be out of action for a while

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi could miss Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe later in November because of a niggling injury, Soccernet reports.

Awoniyi missed the Super Eagles’ last two friendly games because of an injury. He spent three weeks on the sidelines before returning to action last week against Liverpool.

However, the 26-year-old striker is yet to reach full fitness. Ahead of Nottingham Forest’s games against Aston Villa, Steve Cooper is not confident that Awoniyi will start as the Nigerian’s situation is a ‘complex’ one.

He is also unsure of the Nigerian’s availability during the international break.

“The question of international duty[for Awoniyi] is a conversation for next week,” Cooper said per Nottingham Post.

“At the moment we are just focusing on what we might be able to get out of him this weekend([against Aston Villa].”

With his current situation, it is unlikely that Awoniyi will make the squad. The former Union Berlin man would look to return to full fitness before coach Jose Peseiro releases his squad. Napoli star Victor Osimhen is also a doubt for the game. However, Terem Moffi and Victor Boniface could provide adequate cover.