Taiwo Awoniyi names Yekini & ex-Arsenal star as role models

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has revealed the footballers he looked up to while growing up, naming Nigerian legend Rashidi Yekini alongside former Arsenal star Thierry Henry and Didier Drogba, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 29-year-old recently completed a move to newly promoted Premier League side Coventry City from Nottingham Forest, bringing an end to his four-year spell at the club.

Awoniyi joined Forest from Union Berlin in 2022 and initially played an important role for the club. However, he gradually lost his place in the team before eventually leaving this summer. The Nigerian forward scored 23 goals in 103 appearances for Forest across all competitions.

Coventry paid around £9 million to sign Awoniyi as Frank Lampard's side prepare for their return to the Premier League after a 25-year absence.

Taiwo Awoniyi: Super Eagles star names his football role models

In a special episode of Knowing More About Taiwo Awoniyi, hosted by his Super Eagles teammate Frank Onyeka, the 29-year-old answered several questions about his background and football career.

The former Liverpool forward picked former Super Eagles striker Rashidi Yekini, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and Ivory Coast icon Didier Drogba as his footballing role models.

“When I watch the video clip of the late Rashidi Yekini of Nigeria and Thierry Henry and, of course, Didier Drogba”, Awoniyi said.

Yekini remains Nigeria's all-time leading goalscorer, although he is already being closed down by Victor Osimhen, while Henry and Drogba also enjoyed outstanding careers at club and international level.

All three forwards were known for their goalscoring ability, which is what Awoniyi will be hoping to replicate as he begins a new chapter with Coventry City.

The striker has already made it clear what he wants to bring to his new club, promising goals and hard work to the Coventry supporters.

“I think for sure — goals. Like I said, goals and hard work as well,” he added.

Awoniyi will have an immediate opportunity to make an impression when Coventry City begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign away to defending champions Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night.