Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Taiwo Awoniyi

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 18, 2025

How Taiwo Awoniyi built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Taiwo Awoniyi is a Nigerian professional footballer. He currently plays as a striker for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. He is also a member of the Nigeria national team. Awoniyi is known for his role as a striker, contributing to his club's and country's offensive efforts. His career includes playing in various leagues before joining Nottingham Forest, showcasing his talent internationally.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Most Valuable Player Award

In 2010, Taiwo Awoniyi was voted the Most Valuable Player at a Coca-Cola football competition in London. His performance led to an invitation to join the Imperial Soccer Academy by Seyi Olofinjana.

2013: FIFA U-17 World Cup Win

In 2013, Taiwo Awoniyi represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-17 World Cup and won the tournament, scoring four goals.

April 2015: Debut for Nigeria U-23 Team

On 12 April 2015, Taiwo Awoniyi scored a brace on his debut for the Nigeria under-23 team in a match against Zambia, as his team went on to qualify for the 2015 All African Games.

August 2015: Signed for Liverpool and Loaned to FSV Frankfurt

On 31 August 2015, Taiwo Awoniyi signed for English club Liverpool for around £400,000 but was immediately loaned out to German team FSV Frankfurt.

2015: FIFA U-20 World Cup and African U-20 Championship

In 2015, Taiwo Awoniyi represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand after winning the African U-20 Championship in Senegal.

February 2016: Frankfurt Debut

In February 2016, Taiwo Awoniyi made his debut for Frankfurt on 19 February, playing 89 minutes against FC St. Pauli after being named as a substitute for six league matches. He suffered relegation with Frankfurt.

August 2016: Loan to NEC

In August 2016, Taiwo Awoniyi joined Dutch team NEC on a season-long loan and made his Eredivisie debut on 10 September in a 4–0 defeat of NEC to PSV Eindhoven.

2016: Selected for Summer Olympics

In 2016, Taiwo Awoniyi was selected by Nigeria for their 35-man provisional squad for the Summer Olympics.

July 2017: Loan to Royal Excel Mouscron

In July 2017, Taiwo Awoniyi left NEC and joined Belgian club Royal Excel Mouscron on a season-long loan.

July 2018: New Deal with Liverpool and Loan to Gent

On 17 July 2018, Taiwo Awoniyi signed a new long-term deal with Liverpool, and on 23 July sealed a season-long loan to Belgian club Gent.

January 2019: Loan to Mouscron Again

On 11 January 2019, Taiwo Awoniyi's loan to Gent was cut short, and he was loaned to Mouscron again.

August 2019: Loan to Mainz 05

On 6 August 2019, Taiwo Awoniyi joined Bundesliga side Mainz 05 on a season-long loan.

September 2020: Loan to Union Berlin

On 19 September 2020, Taiwo Awoniyi joined Bundesliga side Union Berlin for his seventh loan spell.

July 2021: Permanent Move to Union Berlin

On 20 July 2021, Taiwo Awoniyi rejoined Union Berlin on a permanent basis for £6.5 million. Liverpool negotiated a 10% sell-on clause in this deal.

2021: Debut for Nigeria and Africa Cup of Nations Selection

In late 2021, Taiwo Awoniyi was selected by Gernot Rohr to represent Nigeria during the side's 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Awoniyi was also selected to represent Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

June 2022: Move to Nottingham Forest

On 25 June 2022, Taiwo Awoniyi completed a move to Nottingham Forest on a five-year deal for a club record fee of £17 million.

August 2022: First Premier League Goal

On 14 August 2022, Taiwo Awoniyi scored his first Premier League goal in a 1–0 win against West Ham United.

October 2022: Winning Goal Against Liverpool

On 22 October 2022, Taiwo Awoniyi scored the winning goal in a 1–0 home victory against former club Liverpool.

2022: FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Taiwo Awoniyi represented Nigeria during the side's 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, making his senior debut in their 1–0 loss to the Central African Republic.

May 2023: Goal Against Arsenal and Preserved Club's Premier League Status

On 20 May 2023, Taiwo Awoniyi scored the winner in a 1–0 home win over Arsenal that preserved Nottingham Forest's Premier League status.

August 2023: Scoring Streak

On 18 August 2023, Taiwo Awoniyi became the first Forest player to score in six consecutive Premier League matches since Stan Collymore in March–April 1995.