Taiwo Awoniyi is a versatile Nigerian striker who currently plays for German Bundesliga side FC Mainz on loan from Premier League side Liverpool.
Since his move to Liverpool in August 2015, Taiwo Awoniyi has not played for the English club due to work permit and has been playing on loan since then.
Before joining Mainz in Germany, Taiwo Awoniyi has previously played for Gent in Belgium, Royal Excel Mouscron and Frankfurt in Germany.
The 22-year-old striker who hails from Ola town in Kwara state recently visited his community where he explained how he started his football career.
''I started playing for United Academy in Ilorin and I played for YOUTHFON team which gave me the chance to travel to Chelsea for the Coca-cola tournament.
''When I came back, I went to Imperial Football Academy where I was called into the national team for the Under 15 and also won the Under 17 World Cup with Nigeria in 2013,'' Taiwo said.
Awoniyi has not been getting regular playing time at Mainz this season, and he explained that not playing active games is the worst moment for him, but added that he will bounce back He also explained that winning the 2013 Under 17 World Cup with Nigeria in Dubai will remain the best moment so far in his career.
Nigeria failed to qualify for the next Olympics Football tournament in which Taiwo Awoniyi was among the Under 23 side that played the qualifiers and he has tendered an apology to Nigerians.
While speaking about Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane who have been superb for Liverpool, Taiwo Awoniyi stated that these two players are legends to look up to.
''Sadio Mane's personality is so exceptional. He comes to training and does what he is supposed to do. He doesn't care about worldly things, same goes for Salah. They are just humble and discipline and I look up to them,'' he explained
Awoniyi also named Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp as the best manager in the world and he is looking forward to start playing under the German.
Comments