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Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi names Rashidi Yekini, Thierry Henry and Didier Drogba as football heroes
Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi has identified former Nigeria forward Rashidi Yekini, Arsenal great Thierry Henry and ex-Chelsea striker Didier Drogba as the three players who have influenced him most.
The Nigerian forward made the comments after completing a permanent move to Coventry City during the current summer transfer window. The club, newly promoted to the Premier League, secured Awoniyi’s services following a strong finish to the 2025-26 campaign.
Awoniyi’s season began difficultly, but he ended it in encouraging form for Nottingham Forest. The striker scored three goals and supplied two assists across his final six appearances for the club.
However, despite that improved run, Awoniyi remained behind Chris Wood and Brazilian forward Igor Jesus in Nottingham Forest’s attacking pecking order at the City Ground. His position in the squad had raised questions about what the next stage of his career would bring before his move to Coventry City.
Speaking in an interview with fellow Super Eagles player Frank Onyeka, Awoniyi was asked about the footballers who had inspired him during his career.
“When I watch the video clip of the late Rashidi Yekini of Nigeria, Thierry Henry, and Didier Drogba of course,” Awoniyi said.
Yekini, who died in 2012, remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated strikers, while Henry and Drogba established themselves as two of the Premier League’s most renowned forwards during their careers.
Awoniyi also reflected on the achievements he considers the highlights of his own playing journey. He pointed to Nigeria’s success at the Under-17 World Cup and the opportunity to play in the Premier League.
“When we won the U17 World Cup and also when I moved to the Premier League,” he said.
The striker will now look to begin a fresh chapter at CBS Arena after joining Coventry City. The move gives him the chance to rebuild his momentum and establish himself as a regular source of goals for the newly promoted side.
Awoniyi had been hoping to finish the previous campaign strongly after a challenging opening period, and his final six appearances offered encouragement before the switch. Coventry City will now expect him to carry that form into the new season as they prepare for life in the top flight.
With the 2026-27 campaign approaching, Awoniyi will be aiming to play an important role in Coventry City’s attempt to retain their Premier League status. His experience with Nottingham Forest and his international background will be central to the expectations placed on him as the club prepares for its return to the division.
For Awoniyi, the move represents an opportunity to move beyond the uncertainty created by his position at the City Ground and to pursue greater consistency in front of goal. The Nigerian international will hope his admiration for Yekini, Henry and Drogba can now inspire a productive new period of his own career.
