Notts Forest striker Awoniyi out of Nigeria World Cup qualifier

Nottingham Forest’s Nigerian striker #09 Taiwo Awoniyi celebrates after scoring his team first goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Nottingham Forest at the London Stadium, in London on November 12, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)

Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi has been forced to return to his club after he suffered a groin injury playing for Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier.

Awoniyi started against Lesotho in the 1-1 draw played in Uyo on Thursday, but was replaced by Nice striker Terem Moffi in the 59th minute.

He will therefore miss Sunday’s qualifier against Zimbabwe, which will be played in Rwanda because the home team does not have a stadium that meets FIFA standards.

Officials announced that Awoniyi will return to England for more medical checks on Friday when the rest of the squad fly to Rwanda.

Injury has already deprived Nigeria of star forward Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze.

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