TAIWO Awoniyi is finally set for his Super Eagles debut after being added to the squad for this week’s World Cup qualifiers.
The Union Berlin striker was called up late on Sunday night to replace the injured Terem Moffi in the squad.
The Super Eagles host Central African Republic in Lagos on Thursday before facing the same team three days later in Douala, Cameroon in a Qatar 2022 qualifying double-header.
Awoniyi has been in fine form this season after making a permanent switch from Liverpool to Bundesliga side Union Berlin.
The 24-year-old former Golden Eaglets striker has scored eight goals and provided two assists in 12 games across all competitions this season, making him one of Nigeria’s most prolific forwards on current form.
Awoniyi has been on the fringes of the Super Eagles for two, three years and this is his opportunity to make his mark and compete with Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu and his 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup and 2015 U-20 World Cup teammate Kelechi Iheanacho.
The lanky striker also played for the Nigeria U-23s and has often spoken of his desire to feature for the senior national team.
Just 24 hours before his call-up, Awoniyi scored twice as Union Berlin came from behind to beat his former club Mainz 2-1 to claim an away Bundesliga win.
Meanwhile, Awoniyi and the other invited players are expected to arrive in Lagos on Monday.
The camp was opened on Sunday night and the majority of the invited players are scheduled to be in town by Monday night.
The first of the two games against Central African Republic is billed for the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Thursday.
The Super Eagles lead their qualifying group with six points from two games following victories against Liberia in Lagos and Cape Verde in Mindelo in September.
