Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi says he feels no pressure to compete with fellow Nigerian forwards Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface for a place in the Super Eagles squad ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), MySportDab Reports.
Nigeria, who topped Group D with 11 points, will return to the continental stage at the end of the year in Morocco. But Awoniyi, who last featured for Nigeria in a 1-0 win over Libya in Uyo, insists his focus remains on self-improvement rather than comparisons with others.
Speaking on the Humble Boots podcast, the 27-year-old stated:
“I don’t see it as needing to knock anyone off. Football is about timing and momentum. If it’s your moment, it’s your moment. The names don’t matter—Osimhen, Boniface, or whoever—if it’s your time, people will watch you play.”
Awoniyi emphasized that player selection is ultimately the coach’s decision.
“You can’t decide to be in the starting eleven or the next match. The only thing you can control is how you work on yourself and improve.”
Asked whether he makes extra efforts to edge past Osimhen or Boniface, the former Union Berlin striker responded:
“I’ve never tried to be better than anyone else. I just want to be a better version of myself. Everyone has their own path. If I’m not playing, I use the time to improve. When my chance comes—either with Nigeria or Forest—I’ll be ready.”
With two goals in 10 appearances for Nigeria, Awoniyi is hopeful of returning to the national team during the upcoming four-nation tournament in Brentford involving Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica. His goal remains clear: earn more minutes, score goals, and let the rest take care of itself.
