Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi has withdrawn from the Super Eagles squad for their upcoming friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique, according to a report from allnigeriasoccer.com.
Awoniyi, who won the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2013, sustained a significant injury and will not be joining the team for their trip to Portugal next week. Nigeria is facing fitness concerns leading up to these international games, as Ola Aina is sidelined with a muscle-related injury, while Semi Ajayi of West Brom, Calvin Bassey of Fulham, and Gent’s central defender Jordan Torunarigha have recently recovered from injuries.
Awoniyi was omitted from the matchday squad for their ongoing game against Crystal Palace due to a groin injury that will keep him out of action for at least one month. Notably, he was not seen in any training photos released on Nottingham Forest’s official website before their journey to London.
The injury occurred during Nottingham Forest’s 1-1 draw with Brentford in the penultimate round of Premier League matches, where he was substituted for Chris Wood with nine minutes remaining. The 26-year-old has been a key goal scorer for Nottingham Forest since the latter part of the previous season, boasting nine goals in his last eleven Premier League appearances.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia in Portimão, Portugal on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 5 pm, followed by a match against the Mambas of Mozambique in the same city three days later.