The Kwara chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), has hailed Taiwo Awoniyi’s invitation to the Super Eagles, describing it as a reward for hard work.
The state Secretary of the association, Olayinka Owolewa, in a statement on Tuesday in Ilorin, urged other upcoming football players to take a lesson from Awoniyi’s journey so far.
The statement reminded that, despite Awoniyi’s sojourn across Europe, he remained focused, determined, and had put in a lot of works to earn himself the recent invitation to the national team.
“We have followed Awoniyi’s journey through his time in Ilorin to the U-17 level and we are indeed proud of his achievements and journey so far.
“We are proud because he has shown attitude worthy of emulation for other upcoming football players.
“We wish him a successful time with the Super Eagles of Nigeria and his Bundesliga club, Union Berlin,” Owolewa said.
The Kwara-born in-form striker was called up as a late replacement for Terrem Moffi who is out injured and no longer available for the double-header against the Central African Republic in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.
Awoniyi scored twice for his German club, Union Berlin, at the weekend in their 2-1 comeback win over Mainz, a team Awoniyi played for on loan two seasons ago.
The 24-year-old former Liverpool player has proved his worth all through the age-grade teams.
Awoniyi has scored five times in seven starts for Union Berlin so far this season in the German Bundesliga.
The ex-Liverpool striker scored across the first three games, before netting his first Bundesliga brace against former club Mainz on Matchday 7.
