Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been ruled out with a groin injury and risks missing Nigeria’s outing at the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations slated for early next year.
The striker picked up the injury in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Lesotho in a Group C qualification game for the 2026 World Cup.
Awoniyi, 26, has been instrumental for Nottingham Forest this season. Already, the 26-year-old has four Premier League goals in 10 matches. Last term, he netted 10 times in the domestic campaign as Cooper’s men battled and survived relegation.
“We’ve got to support him through the process of coming back stronger. He’s done that once before here and I’m sure he will give everything again like he did last time,” said Nottingham Forest Head Coach Steve Cooper.
“You think about how well he did when he returned last season, I’m sure that’s given him a good reference point to come back to.”
“We’ll definitely see him again this season, but it’s groin surgery so it will take a little while.”
His injury will be a big concern to the Super Eagles who are set to battle for the top honour at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire next year.
Awoniyi started Nigeria’s game against Lesotho but returned to England after picking up an injury during the clash.
