“Never thought to be better than Osimhen, Boniface” — Awoniyi on AFCON ambitions

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has said he does not feel the need to outshine fellow Super Eagles forwards Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface to earn a place in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Speaking on the Humble Boots show, the 27-year-old emphasized self-development over rivalry, stating that he focuses on being the best version of himself rather than competing with others.

“I’ve never thought that I want to be better than this, I want to be better than that. I believe everyone’s destiny is different,” Awoniyi said.

“Whether it’s playing or not playing, I just want to be better than who I am. Of course, if you are not playing, maybe people cannot see that—but what are you doing when you are not playing? It’s just to develop myself,” he added.

Awoniyi, who last featured for the Super Eagles in a 1–0 win against Libya in Uyo, has earned 10 senior caps and scored two goals for Nigeria.

With the national team preparing for the AFCON tournament after topping Group D with 11 points, he is hoping for a recall from head coach Eric Chelle.

“I’ve never had the intention of ‘I want to be better than Osimhen, I want to be better than Boniface,’” he said.

“Everyone sees the world differently, but I don’t believe I need to be better than this person to make it to the AFCON. I want to be better at what I am doing for myself.”

Awoniyi concluded by stating that he trusts in his own journey and preparation.

“If it’s getting more minutes, if it’s scoring goals, then I will get to the AFCON. So I don’t need to push to be better than Osimhen or Boniface to get there.”