Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, faces another setback in his international career as Nottingham Forest manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, confirms his injury just days before the club's English Premier League clash with Luton Town. This injury news casts doubt on his availability for Nigeria's upcoming friendlies against Ghana and Mali later this month.

Reports suggest that Awoniyi could be sidelined until April, dealing a blow to both Nottingham Forest and the Nigerian national team. While the full extent of the injury remains unconfirmed, Espirito Santo expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the significant loss of the striker.

"He had a problem during the week. It is a big blow for us, a big blow. I don’t know how long he will be out for," stated the manager to the media.

This setback adds to Awoniyi's recent struggles with injuries. He had just recovered from a groin setback that forced him to miss the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where Nigeria finished as runners-up. A previous injury in November also sidelined him for three months, causing him to miss the AFCON.

Despite his importance to Nottingham Forest since joining from Union Berlin last season, injuries have disrupted Awoniyi's development. Since he arrived at the English club, the 26-year-old has missed 27 Premier League games.

Awoniyi's last appearance for Nigeria was on November 16, 2023, during a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.