Awoniyi names Yekini, Henry and Drogba as footballing role models

Taiwo Awoniyi has named Nigeria great Rashidi Yekini, former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry and Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba as the players he admired while growing up.

The Super Eagles striker made the revelation shortly after completing a move from Nottingham Forest to newly promoted Premier League side Coventry City.

Awoniyi, 29, has joined Coventry in a deal worth about £9m, with Frank Lampard’s team preparing for their return to the Premier League after a 25-year absence.

The former Liverpool forward discussed his influences during a special episode of Knowing More About Taiwo Awoniyi, hosted by his Super Eagles team-mate Frank Onyeka. Asked about the footballers who shaped his ambitions, Awoniyi selected three renowned forwards: Yekini, Henry and Drogba.

Yekini remains Nigeria’s all-time leading goalscorer, although his record is increasingly under threat from current Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen. Henry and Drogba, meanwhile, enjoyed distinguished careers for both their clubs and their respective national teams.

All three players were noted for their finishing and consistent goalscoring, qualities Awoniyi will hope to bring to the next stage of his own career at Coventry City.

Awoniyi’s transfer brings to an end a four-year spell at Nottingham Forest. He moved to the club from Union Berlin in 2022 and initially played a significant part in Forest’s team.

However, his involvement gradually declined and he eventually departed during the summer. Across all competitions, Awoniyi scored 23 goals in 103 appearances for Forest.

He will now begin a new chapter with Coventry, where he has already outlined what he intends to offer the club’s supporters: goals and hard work.

The Nigerian forward will not have to wait long for his first opportunity to make an impression in the Premier League. Coventry City’s 2026/27 campaign begins away to defending champions Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Friday night.

That opening fixture will give Awoniyi an immediate meeting with one of the clubs associated with one of his childhood role models, Henry. Coventry’s return to the top flight therefore starts with a demanding assignment, while Awoniyi begins his time at the club determined to reproduce the scoring impact that marked the strongest period of his Forest career.

Lampard’s side secured Awoniyi’s services as they prepare to compete in the Premier League again, and the striker’s experience at Nottingham Forest will be central to their plans. His record of 23 goals in 103 appearances provides the foundation for Coventry supporters hoping he can help the club establish itself after its long absence from the division.