Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi says he feels no strain to outshine fellow Nigerian forwards Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface forward of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Tremendous Eagles will return to AFCON on the finish of the 12 months in Morocco, after ending high of Group D with 11 factors. However Awoniyi, who final performed for Nigeria in a 1-0 win over Libya in Uyo, says he’s centered on himself—not on competing with others.
Talking on the “Humble Boots” podcast, Awoniyi defined:
“I don’t see it as needing to knock anybody off. Soccer is about timing and momentum. If it’s your second, it’s your second. The names don’t matter—Osimhen, Boniface, or whoever—if it’s your time, individuals will watch you play.”
The 27-year-old added that choice for the Tremendous Eagles isn’t as much as the gamers however to the coaches.
“You may’t resolve to be within the beginning eleven or the subsequent match. The one factor you’ll be able to management is how you’re employed on your self and enhance.”
When requested if he tries to do something particular to be picked over Osimhen or Boniface, the previous Union Berlin striker stated:
“I’ve by no means tried to be higher than anybody else. I simply need to be a greater model of myself. Everybody has their very own path. If I’m not taking part in, I take advantage of the time to enhance. When my likelihood comes—both with Nigeria or Forest—I’ll be prepared.”
Even with AFCON quick approaching, Awoniyi insists his mindset gained’t change.
“I don’t imagine I should be higher than Osimhen or Boniface to go to AFCON. I simply must maintain working, get extra minutes, rating objectives. That’s what’s going to take me there.”
Awoniyi has scored two objectives in ten appearances for Nigeria. With a four-nation match developing in Brentford involving Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica, he will probably be aiming to impress Tremendous Eagles coach Eric Chelle and make a return to the squad.
