Young Liverpool forward Taiwo Awoniyi has spoken out of his disappointment following a snubbing from the Nigerian national team for the 2019 African Cup of Nations.
The Reds signed the striker in 2015 from the Imperial Soccer Academy, but he’s yet to play for the first team. He was immediately loaned out to FSV Frankfurt and has plied his trade in the Belgian Pro League since at several clubs.
Awoniyi has been directly involved in 34 goals (24; ten assists) in 69 appearances for his clubs Royal Excel Mouscron and KAA Gent over the last two seasons, but continues to be left out of Gernot Rohr’s plans.
“Actually for me if a player is trying his best in his club, you believe you are doing the best you can and if you don’t get invited, not even once, you’ll be sad about it, that is the truth, but there is nothing you can do about it,” Awoniyi told All Nigeria Soccer.
“You just have to keep on working and keep on believing in yourself, that is football. I am a believer. Recently I met with one of the Super Eagles players, Shehu. He said he had not seen me for a long time.
“I was joking with Shehu and told him for sure the Super Eagles will win the Nations Cup,” he concluded.
Awoniyi has been subject to interest from Bundesliga club Schalke, as per Goal, and his sale could raise £10million for the Reds.
As a player who has never played a single minute under Jurgen Klopp, you’d have to expect the boss to consider his options if the rumours are true.