Taiwo Awoniyi

Taiwo Awoniyi Taiwo Michael Awoniyi (born August 12, 1997) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Nottingham Forest and the Nigeria national team. Known for his powerful physical presence, work rate, and goal-scoring ability, Awoniyi is regarded as a key figure for both his club and country. Early Life and Education Awoniyi was born in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. He developed an early passion for football and, despite financial challenges, pursued his dream. His talent was recognized early, leading him to participate in the Pepsi Football Academy. In 2010, he joined the Imperial Soccer Academy. Awoniyi's breakthrough came during his performances at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2013, which brought him international attention and a pathway to European football. Career Progression Awoniyi’s senior club career began in 2015 when he was signed by Liverpool F.C. However, due to work permit restrictions in the United Kingdom, he spent the subsequent years consistently on loan to various clubs across Europe to gain experience. Notable loan spells included: * **FSV Frankfurt (Germany):** 2015–2016 * **NEC Nijmegen (Netherlands):** 2016–2017 * **Royal Excel Mouscron (Belgium):** 2017–2018 (where he made a significant impact, scoring 10 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions) * **Gent (Belgium):** 2018 * **Royal Excel Mouscron (Belgium):** 2019 * **Mainz 05 (Germany):** 2019–2020 * **Union Berlin (Germany):** 2020–2021 (a particularly successful season, leading to a permanent move)Major Achievements and Notable Works In 2021, Awoniyi made his move to Union Berlin permanent, where he enjoyed his most successful season to date, scoring 15 Bundesliga goals and helping the team qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League. His consistent performance in Germany solidified his reputation as a reliable top-flight striker. Internationally, Awoniyi has represented Nigeria at multiple youth levels. He was a crucial part of the Nigerian team that won the **2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup** in the UAE. He also featured for the Nigerian U-20 and U-23 national teams. He made his senior debut for the Super Eagles in 2021 and has since become a regular inclusion in the squad, participating in major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Current Status In July 2022, Awoniyi returned to the Premier League, signing for newly promoted Nottingham Forest for a club-record fee at the time. In his first season, he was instrumental in helping the team secure their Premier League status. He remains a key attacker for Nottingham Forest and continues to represent the Nigeria national team in international competitions.