Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has confirmed that he held talks with Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle before invitations for the Unity Cup and June friendlies were sent out, but opted out for personal reasons, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Awoniyi was a notable exclusion from both squads despite his return to form at Forest.
He last featured for the Super Eagles in October 2024, playing 16 minutes in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Libya in a 2025 AFCON qualifier.
Before then, his previous appearance came in the 1-1 draw against Lesotho in Uyo during Nigeria’s opening match of the ultimately unsuccessful 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
The 28-year-old has also missed two consecutive AFCON tournaments, but declined the opportunity to stake his claim for a return to the team after being approached for the upcoming friendlies against Poland and Portugal. Related News Chelle eyes Portugal, Poland scalps in friendlies Chelle apologises for AFCON, World Cup failures Ex-England coach Keegan reveals battle with cancer
