2023 AFCON qualifier: Taiwo Awoniyi optimistic about Nigeria’s chance in Sierra Leone

The 25-year-old has returned to the Super Eagles squad for the first time since September 2022 but will face stiff competition from the inform Osimhen, and Kelechi Iheanacho for a starting berth.

Awoniyi, whose debut season in the Premier League tally saw him finish as Nottingham Forest’s top scorer with 10 goals in 27 matches, is currently with squad in Lagos at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, on Monday.

The former Hertha Berlin striker hailed his teammates for how well they have done in club football and believes that should they carry that form across, no nation can beat Nigeria.

“This is a game [against Sierra Leone] that is very important to the country because you have to play it once, it’s not a league game where you have an opportunity to play again,” Awoniyi told Soccernet.

“That is how I see every Super Eagles game, and that’s the kind of spirit I will take to the game if I get to Liberia.

“This is a game that you have to put in your best because you only have 90 minutes to play. Perhaps, the next time you play again in September or thereabout.

“Of course, Nigerians should not expect anything other than victory. Because looking at the caliber of players that we have in the team, these are players that have done well for their club sides.

“I hope that we can bring home the same spirit that we have from our club sides. If we can bring it back, there is no nation that can beat Super Eagles.”

Nigeria tops Group A with nine points and a point will be enough to send them to the finals to be held in Ivory Coast in January 2024.