Eric Chelle Calls Up Taiwo Awoniyi for AFCON Qualifiers

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has officially called up Taiwo Awoniyi, a striker from Coventry City, to replace Victor Osimhen, who is sidelined due to a thigh injury. Osimhen was initially included in the squad announced on Thursday but was later confirmed to be unfit for international duty by Galatasaray.

Awoniyi's return to the national team is notable as he last played for Nigeria in October 2024 during a 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya. His absence from the squad was attributed to ongoing injury issues, poor form, and limited playing time at Nottingham Forest.

Since joining Coventry City, Awoniyi has regained fitness but has struggled to score in four Premier League appearances this season. The Nigeria Football Federation announced that the Super Eagles will begin their Group L qualifying campaign against Madagascar on September 23, 2026, followed by a match against Guinea-Bissau in Morocco on September 27, 2026.

Nigeria is drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania, and Guinea-Bissau.