Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has revealed that he turned down a call-up to the Super Eagles of Nigeria for the Unity Cup and June international friendlies after holding discussions with head coach Eric Chelle.
Taiwo Awoniyi’s omission from both squads had raised questions, particularly after the forward regained form towards the end of the season with Nottingham Forest. The 28-year-old, however, said his decision was based on personal matters rather than football considerations.
The striker last played for Nigeria in October 2024, coming off the bench in a 1-0 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying win over Libya.
Before that appearance, he featured in the 1-1 draw against Lesotho in Uyo during Nigeria’s opening match of the unsuccessful 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Awoniyi has also missed the last two AFCON tournaments and was presented with another opportunity to push for a return when Nigeria prepared for friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
“I was supposed to be in the Super Eagles camp, but I opted out because of personal reasons I have to attend to,” Awoniyi told SportsBoom.
“We have lots of talents in the Super Eagles, so for me, everyone that is in the team for the June friendlies is as good as me, just as I’m as good as them.”
After battling fitness problems during the closing stages of the previous campaign and the early part of the recently concluded season, Awoniyi finished strongly to help Nottingham Forest secure their Premier League status.
One of his standout performances came at Stamford Bridge in May, when he struck twice against Chelsea. The brace helped lift his season return to four goals and one assist in 17 appearances.
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