Nigerian under-17s at the FIFA Under-17
World Cup in the UAE. Success Isaac was the
preferred frontman while he was just a back-
up for the man, who now plays in the
Spanish top flight with Granada CF. Anyway
that was just after the first game in which he
came on as a substitute for Chidera Ezeh in
the last 18 minutes of the 6-1 win over
Mexico in Al Ain City.
In the second game of that tournament,
Isaac had to make way as early as the 32nd
minute and the then Nigeria Under-17 team
head coach, Garba Manu, now manager of
the under-20s, sent on starry-eyed Taiwo
Awoniyi. It was Awoniyi’s goal in the last 10
minutes that secured a point in a 3-3 draw
against Sweden. Awoniyi went on to play
against Iraq, Iran, Uruguay, Sweden and
Mexico, and notched up four goals in total.
Awoniyi relived that winning feat and his rise
to first-team to supersport.com: “It was one
experience I won’t forget. And I thank God
for the chance and the coaches for believing
in me when our main striker got injured.”
Ever since the 18-year-old has not looked
back, and has become some sorts of a cult
hero within his own standards, and is already
drawing comparisons with a former legend,
who passed away almost three years ago.
There have been a number of players, who
have been likened or touted to fill the
vacuum left by late Rashidi Yekini –
Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer at senior
level. Recently Super Eagles and Fenerbahce
striker, Emmanuel Emenike, was compared to
the legendary striker for his bulldozing nature
in front of goal, but the Fener man has hit a
bad patch.
Now that ribbon is dangling on the neck of
teenager Awoniyi, who is even yet to play for
the Super Eagles. Awoniyi in recent weeks
has shown his predatory instincts as a striker
and those characteristics were evident in the
2-1 win in Lusaka when he scored twice to
down Zambia’s under-23s despite being
called into the Nigerian team few days before
the game. His goals at the National Heroes
Stadium ensured Nigeria’s passage to the
men’s football event of the All-Africa Games
in Congo in September this year.
His recent shows for the under-20s and now
the under-23s of Nigeria have seen him not
just getting plaudits, but also a big
comparison to Yekini. Awoniyi said he is
happy with such comparison but still feels
they are just words of “encouragement that
should keep me working hard.”
“I thank God Almighty, the author and creator
of all things. Well he [Yekini] was a legend I
heard about, but as a little boy just growing
up, praying and hoping to get there. I believe
it is just a word of encouragement that
should keep me working hard in getting and
surpassing where he got to, Awoniyi told
supersport.com this week.
Former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo
Kanu, has already described the teenage
forward as Nigeria’s “hottest kid” which has
left Awoniyi saying he is excited and
privileged to get such comments from a big
figure like the former African Footballer of the
Year winner.
The Flying Eagles star has boldly said he
does not feel any pressure with the amount
of plaudits and comparisons he gets. Awoniyi
responded that he is only focused on his
career as a footballer, and believes that being
compared to any of the legendary players in
the country will only serve as “a way of
praise” for him.
He also spoke of the chance of becoming
Nigeria’s next number nine and was,
however, philosophical about it.
“Not at all [am I under pressure]. Like I said
earlier I believe it is just a way to praise me.
But with God’s help and hardwork I can get
there. I am not under any pressure at all.
“God knows best and makes all things
happen. He knows what we humans don’t
know and I believe everyone is destined for a
purpose on Earth. I am just starting but I
believe God’s will, will be done [as per being
Nigeria’s next number nine],” he said.
No comments:
Post a Comment