A 2010 football competition held in London served as the launchpad for Taiwo Awoniyi, who earned the Most Valuable Player accolade before joining the Imperial Soccer Academy. Born in Ilorin, Nigeria, in 1997, the striker has since navigated a multifaceted professional career across various European leagues and significant international tournaments representing his home nation.
Early European Transitions
Awoniyi signed with Liverpool in August 2015 for approximately £400,000. Following this transfer, he spent several years on loan across multiple countries. His tenure included stints with German side FSV Frankfurt and the Dutch club NEC, where he experienced consecutive relegations. He later played for Royal Excel Mouscron and Gent in Belgium, continuously navigating challenges related to securing a UK work permit.
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The forward transitioned to the German Bundesliga, joining Mainz 05 on loan for the 2019-2020 campaign. During this period, he suffered a severe concussion against FC Augsburg. In 2020, he moved to Union Berlin on loan, eventually securing a permanent transfer to the club in July 2021 for a reported fee of £6.5 million.
Premier League and Medical Recovery
In June 2022, Awoniyi moved to Nottingham Forest for a club-record fee of roughly £17 million. He became the first player for that side to score in six consecutive Premier League matches in August 2023. In May 2025, he suffered a serious abdominal injury during a match against Leicester City, requiring emergency surgery and an induced coma before he successfully returned to professional competition. He joined Coventry City in August 2026 for a reported £9 million.
International Performance
Awoniyi has represented Nigeria at several levels, beginning with the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup victory where he scored four goals. He played for the U-20 squad in 2015 and later joined the senior team under Gernot Rohr for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He also featured prominently for Nigeria during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Fast facts
- Born: 12 August 1997, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Professional debut: 2015
- International debut: 2021
- Marital status: Married to Taiye Jesudun
- Notable honor: 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner
- Former club: Liverpool
- Languages spoken: English
Questions readers ask
Which international youth tournaments has Awoniyi played in?
He represented Nigeria at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
What significant health challenge did he face in 2025?
He suffered a serious abdominal injury during a game against Leicester City in May 2025, necessitating surgery and a period in an induced coma.
