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.

Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

Osimhen: Napoli star drops transfer hint as Man United and Chelsea prepare €75 million bid

Napoli-owned forward Victor Osimhen has sparked transfer speculation with a new comment about his future,… Read More

8 hours ago

Ghana 0-0 Nigeria: CHAN Eagles grab first-leg advantage in Accra against Black Galaxies

Nigeria forced Ghana to a goalless draw in the first leg of the qualifying playoff… Read More

8 hours ago

What Hakimi’s mother said after her son lost the CAF POTY Award to Lookman

Achraf Hakimi's mother, Saida Mouh, has revealed her son has moved on from the disappointment… Read More

8 hours ago

“I see similarities with Leicester” – Ex-Barcelona striker backs Ola Aina’s Nott’m Forest to win EPL title

Former Barcelona and England striker, Gary Lineker, has backed Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina's Nottingham… Read More

9 hours ago

Two Premier League clubs ready to meet Napoli’s €75m asking price for Victor Osimhen

Two English Premier League sides, Manchester United and Chelsea, are prepared to meet Napoli's €75m… Read More

10 hours ago

Tolu Arokodare surpasses Stephen Keshi’s mark in Belgium as Genk humble Anderlecht

Tolu Arokodare delivered a man-of-the-match performance to inspire KRC Genk to a convincing 2-0 win… Read More

10 hours ago