Union Berlin Ready to Let Awoniyi Make AFCON Debut if Selected by Nigeria

With fading hope of Victor Osimhen making an AFCON appearance for Nigeria at AFCON 2022 in Cameroon, another in-form striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, is guaranteed by his German side, Union Berlin to allow him play for Super Eagles during the tournament.

The Nigerian forward has been on good run for his club and playing crucial role in the club’s antecedent to the top in the Bundesliga but should he get a call to play for Nigeria during the tournament, he is sure to miss between four to six matches depending of the progress Super Eagles make during the event.

Club’s coach, Urs Fischer confirmed yesterday that the club will not stop the player from representing Nigeria if he gets called up by Eagles handlers and that they will be happy for him because it is his wish to play for Nigeria.

The 24-year-old has been the star player for Union Berlin and has scored eight goals in 12 league appearances in the on-going season with the latest goal against rivals, Hertha Berlin in 2-0 win at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei.

“We don’t worry about it and of course we have it on our radar,” Fischer said to German Newspaper, Berliner Kurier.

“What could be nicer than representing your colours? Even if it doesn’t help us, we would be happy for Taiwo,” the coach commented.

He also talked of how the Nigerian star has developed to become a deadly striker since joining the club.

“This week, too, graduation was on the agenda. He has learned to stay calm on the pitch and can withstand the pressure better. I do believe that Taiwo has worked on itself,” he added.

If Taiwo eventually makes the squad to AFCON, he will miss out on four matches against Bayern Leverkusen, Hoffenheim, Borussia Monchengladbach and Audsburg and in addition to the derby against Hertha in the DFB Cup.