Awoniyi Sidelined From 2023 AFCON Due to Groin Injury

In a setback for Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi, he will be absent from the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire due to a lingering groin injury.

Nottingham Forest’s Head Coach, Steve Cooper, revealed that Awoniyi aggravated the injury he sustained in October, leading to the need for surgery and an extended period on the sidelines.

Awoniyi, who contributed four goals in 11 appearances for Forest this season, played for an hour in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Lesotho before withdrawing from international duty.

Cooper expressed regret over the situation in a press conference, acknowledging Awoniyi’s importance to the team and his positive impact with goals. Despite the setback, Cooper expressed confidence in Awoniyi’s resilience, citing a previous successful comeback from injury.

The Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024. Nigeria’s Super Eagles, without Awoniyi, will compete in Group A against hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. Awoniyi had previously been part of the Eagles squad in the 2021 tournament held in Cameroon.