Taiwo Awoniyi is confident that the success enjoyed by his Nigerian teammates at their respective clubs will be crucial in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Sierra Leone.
The Nottingham Forest striker was recently named in Jose Peseiro’s Nigerian squad for the crucial fixture.
Awoniyi played a significant role in helping his English team avoid relegation from the Premier League, scoring five goals in the club’s last three matches of the season.
Meanwhile, Samuel Chukwueze had an impressive season with Villarreal, winning the Best African Player Award in La Liga, while Ademola Lookman excelled with Atalanta.
Alex Iwobi also played a pivotal role in helping Everton avoid relegation from the Premier League.
However, the standout player among the Nigerian contingent was Victor Osimhen who made history by becoming the first African to win the Serie A Golden Boot as Napoli secured their first Scudetto in 33 years.
Awoniyi believes that the collective achievements of the Nigerian players at their respective clubs will give them the confidence and momentum needed to overcome Sierra Leone in the Afcon qualifier.
 “This is a game [against Sierra Leone] that is very important to the country because you have to play it once, it’s not a league game where you have an opportunity to play again,” Awoniyi told Soccernet.
“That is how I see every Super Eagles game, and that’s the kind of spirit I will take to the game if I get to Liberia.
“This is a game that you have to put in your best because you only have 90 minutes to play. Perhaps, the next time you play again in September or thereabout.
“Of course, Nigerians should not expect anything other than victory. Because looking at the caliber of players that we have in the team, these are players that have done well for their club sides, and I hope that we can bring home the same spirit that we have from our club sides.
“If we can bring it back, there is no nation that can beat the Super Eagles.” He said.
Nigeria currently lead Group A with nine points, and a single point in the upcoming match will be enough to secure their place in the finals, which will be held in Ivory Coast in January 2024.