Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has reflected on how far he's come in his football career, from the streets of Ilorin to playing at the City Ground, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old burst onto the scene during the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup tournament in the United Arab Emirates, winning the tournament alongside Kelechi Iheanacho and Akindele Alampasu.
Two years later, Awoniyi signed for Liverpool, although he didn't make any senior appearances for the Reds. Instead, he went on loan to clubs in Holland, Belgium, and Germany, and after he signed for Union Berlin in 2021, he'd had enough of the travelling and wanted stability, joining the German side permanently.
However, his Premier League chance was only knocking on the door at that moment. 20 goals in 43 games under Urs Fischer saw the Reds fork out 20 million to sign Awoniyi on a five-year deal in 2022.
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
Injuries have hampered Awoniyi's progress at the City ground, the worst of them an intestinal problem he suffered after hitting the crossbar against Leicester City last season, forcing him into a coma.
Still, he's managed to score 20 goals in 96 games for Vitor Pereira's side. While he's fallen down the pecking order, and mightbe on his way out of the club in the summer, the Nigerian striker is proud of how far he's come.
Taiwo Awoniyi reflects on his career path
In an interview posted on Nottingham Forest's website, the Ilorin-born striker spoke of his humble beginnings.
“I was born in Nigeria, and I grew up in the city of Ilorin, which is where I started my football career at the age of seven. I started at the now Unicorn Academy, and I was away from home a lot of the time.
“I used to walk an hour to training every day to achieve my dream of becoming a Premier League footballer. That’s how it all began for me,” the former Mainz 05 striker said.
“It was really difficult getting football boots, going to training, getting money for transport — it was difficult.
“For me, I had to travel from my father’s house to training, which, as I said, was an hour away, and I had to do that every day.
“Sometimes I had to make my boots myself; I would go and get boots that were left over and make them up. Further along the line, my dad was able to buy them to support me, but not everyone has this privilege or the chance to play on a standard pitch.
“Sometimes we would play on the sand, so it was really difficult.
In what has been a tough journey to the top, the Nottingham Forest striker highlighted the importance of his faith in his journey.
“It’s really special for me to be where I am now because of how hard I have worked, but it’s something I don’t want to lose either.
“I’m so thankful for every match because I know what it takes to get to where I am today.
“I always have to give thanks to God. I’ve always said there is someone up there who is looking after me, which is my belief.
“When I look back, I’m always proud of how far I have come because I’ve managed to achieve everything I’ve always wished for,” Awoniyi concluded.
Despite spending less time with injuries this season, the 10-cap Super Eagles star has been limited to just one Premier League start this season.
