By Sulaimon Jamiu
Super Eagles forward, Taiwo Awoniyi has officially moved from Bundesliga side, Union Berlin to English Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest on a five-year deal.
With twenty goals and five assists in 44 games last season, the former Liverpool player made an impression wearing the colors of Des Eisernen.
The Reds broke their transfer record to sign the Imperial Academy product for £17 million as a result of Awoniyi’s outstanding performance in the 2021/2022 season.
Here are ten things you should know about the Nigerian forward:
1. On August 12, 1997, Taiwo and his twin sister Kehinde were born in Illorin, Nigeria, into a close-knit family. The twins and their siblings were raised in Gbagba, Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. Mr. Solomon Awoniyi, his father, was a policeman.
2. Awoniyi was first noticed by former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana, who invited him to join Imperial Soccer Academy.
3. He began his professional career at Liverpool, signing for the Merseyside club in 2015 but he was never given the opportunity to play for the first team.
4. Awoniyi would go on to have loan spells at FSV Frankfurt, NEC, Mouscron, Gent and Mainz 05.
5. He currently holds the title of most expensive signing at various clubs. The most expensive acquisition of Die Eisernen was Awoniyi, who moved from Liverpool to Union Berlin for €8.55 million. He also became the club’s highest expensive acquisition when moving to Nottingham for £17 million.
6. During his time in Germany, the Nigerian striker earned a diploma in business administration and marketing development.
7. He has scored 54 goals in 182 appearances for his club teams, which have competed in Belgium, England, Germany, and the Netherlands.
8. The 24-year-old striker scored four goals during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup while playing for the Manu Garba-led squad.
9. Awoniyi won the African U-20 championship and the FIFA U-17 world cup while playing for the Nigerian Golden Eaglet and Nigerian Flying Eagles, respectively.
10. On June 15, 2018, in Kabba, he married Taiwo Jesudun after an engagement and traditional wedding, which was followed by a white wedding on June 16, in Ilorin. The union is blessed with a child.
