Awoniyi doubtful for Ghana, Mali friendlies

Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi could miss Nigeria’s upcoming friendlies against Ghana and Mali due to injury.

Awoniyi missed Forest’s away draw at Luton Town on Saturday.

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo revealed after the game that the striker is currently injured.

“We need our strikers to finish and score,” the Portuguese told BBC Match of the Day.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had a big blow with the fitness of Taiwo Awoniyi—he had a knock during the week so let’s see how he is—so hopefully Chris [Wood] stays well. It is important that we keep him fit.”

The 26-year-old has battled with injuries since his arrival at City Ground.

He spent around three months on the sidelines earlier in the current campaign due to a groin problem.

The injury also forced him to miss the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria will face Ghana on March 22 and Mali four days later.

Both matches will be played at the Grande de Marrakech, Morocco.