Taiwo Awoniyi: Super Eagles Star Ruled Out of 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

• Taiwo Awoniyi set to miss the 2023 AFCON due to injury
• The Super Eagles star will undergo surgery and could be out for months
• Awoniyi featured in Nigeria's World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho

Nottingham Forest and Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been ruled out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to an injury suffered while on international duty.

The former Liverpool striker just recovered from injury before being selected for Nigeria's World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

The 26-year-old was included in the starting lineup against Lesotho but was withdrawn on the hour mark, as Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Forest manager Steve Cooper disclosed that the Nigerian international will undergo surgery due to his groin injury and would be ruled out of action for months, according to a report by Soccernet.

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"It’s bad news on Taiwo [Awoniyi], he’s had to have surgery, and he is going to be out for months," the former England under-17 manager said.

"We’ll support him and try to get him back as quick and as fit as he can be, but it’s a really unfortunate situation and a blow for him."

Awoniyi was part of the Nigeria squad that featured at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, but will not be available for selection for the next edition which would be held in Ivory Coast.

Nottingham Forest will have to bank on the availability of Chris Wood and Divock Origi in the absence of Awoniyi.

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Sports Brief earlier reported that Nigeria have sealed qualification to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations slated for Ivory Coast in January following a 6-0 win over Sao Tome and Principe in the final qualifying match.

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Heading into this fixture, Jose Peseiro's side had confirmed their place in next year's Africa Cup of Nations tournament, but they needed to guarantee top spot in Group A of the qualifying series.

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen netter a hat trick while Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi and Samuel Chukwueze all also registered their name on the scoresheet.