English Premier League
Out-of-favour Taiwo Awoniyi explains challenges breaking into Nigeria set up
By Monsurah Olatunji
Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi has reflected on how difficult it is to get a call-up to any of Nigeria’s national teams.
The former Union Berlin striker had previously represented the West African nation at the cadet levels at the U17, U20, and U23 teams before earning his senior stint under Austine Eguaveon at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner defended the national selector over his omission, while assuring to take full advantage when another opportunity comes in the future.
“For you to get to the U17 or the U20 or the national team is a long process, so for you to have the opportunity to be part of it, you have to make the most out of it because it doesn’t come easy,” Awoniyi told on-and-off-the-pitch podcast.
“The competitiveness in Nigeria is as much as we see over here as well in this country. It’s just like that because everyone wants to be the next [Lionel] Messi, everyone wants to be the next Ronaldo, everyone wants to play football, so obviously to get into the national team is a process that is a bit difficult because the coach cannot go to all states.
“If I’m talking about why I’m in the Premier League, I think it has to be about how passionate you want it and how much you want it for yourself.”
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