Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi has dismissed any idea of competing with fellow Super Eagles forwards Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface for a spot in the national team, stressing that his focus is on personal development rather than rivalry.
The Nottingham Forest striker made it clear that his football ambitions are driven by improvement, not trying to outshine others.
“I’ve never had the intention of saying, ‘I want to be better than Osimhen’ or ‘I want to be better than Boniface,’” Awoniyi told Humble Boots.
“I just want to be the best version of myself this year. Whether I’m playing or not, it’s about improving myself.”
The 27-year-old believes every player has a unique journey and that pursuing someone else’s success is not part of his mindset.
“Everyone’s destiny is different,” he added. “I’ve never chased the goal of being better than someone else. Even if I’m not on the pitch, it’s about what I’m doing when I’m not playing. That’s what matters to me, being ready when the opportunity comes.”
Addressing the competition in Nigeria’s attack, Awoniyi downplayed any suggestion that he would be overshadowed by other high-profile strikers. He emphasised that football is about moments and everyone will get their chance.
“Football is all about competition. If it’s your moment, it’s your moment,” he said. “I don’t see myself getting knocked off or knocking someone else off. If it’s my time, even the big names will watch me play.”
The former Liverpool striker also pointed out that selection decisions rest with the coaches, not the players.
“When it comes to the Super Eagles, it’s never on you to decide. You can’t just say, ‘I want to be in the first eleven’ or ‘I want to be the main striker.’ That’s not your call. All you can do is work on becoming the player you want to be.”
As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaches, Awoniyi maintains that his path to the tournament lies in consistent performance, not outperforming his teammates.
“I don’t believe I need to be better than Osimhen or Boniface to get to the AFCON,” he said. “If I get more minutes, if I score goals, then I’ll make it. But I just want to be better at what I’m doing, for myself.”
