Taiwo Micheal Awoniyi, born on August 12, 1997, in Ilorin, Nigeria, is a Nigerian professional footballer renowned for his striker role. He currently plays for Premier League club Nottingham Forest and proudly represents the Nigerian national team.
His story unfolds from the vibrant city of Ilorin, reflecting a journey marked by dedication and passion for the sport. Taiwo’s transition from grassroots football to the international stage exemplifies his unwavering commitment to the beautiful game.
- Full name: Taiwo Micheal Awoniyi
- Gender: Male
- Date of birth: August 12, 1997
- Place of birth: Ilorin, Nigeria
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Current Club: Nottingham Forest
- Role: Striker
- Hair colour: Black
- Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Father’s name: Elder Solomon Adewoye Awoniyi
- Mother’s name: Mary Motunrayo Awoniyi
- Number of siblings: 6
- Relationship status: Married
- NetWorth: $16 million
READ ALSO: Top 10 Most Valuable Nigerian Super Eagles Football Players
Who is Taiwo Awoniyi
Taiwo Awoniyi is known as “Big Awo” and “The New Rashidi Yekini.” His mother is Mary Motunrayo Awoniyi, and his father is Elder Solomon Adewoye Awoniyi. He was born in Ilorin on August 12, 1997, A city in the southwest of Nigeria.
Tiawo is a name that can be used for both boys and girls. It means “the first twin to taste the world.”
He was born in Nigeria as a twin to his sister Kehinde Awoniyi. Mr Solomon and Mrs Mary got married and had six children: three boys and three girls. Taiwo is one of them.
Taiwo Awoniyi is a professional football player who plays for Nottingham Forest in England.
Taiwo Awoniyi’s Net Worth
Taiwo Awoniyi signed a five-year deal with Nottingham Forest on July 1, 2022. He earns around £50,000 a week.
Awoniyi makes £2,600,000 a year on his £50,000-a-week pay. He will make £13,000,000 by the end of his current Nottingham Forest contract in July 2027.
According to Transfermarkt, Awoniyi is worth €20 million.
Taiwo Awoniyi Untold Story
Taiwo Awoniyi was born in Ilorin, Nigeria, a city where the Striker’s life began. This big city gave him the chance to work hard and become a sports star.
Things weren’t always this way before they got famous.
To begin, it’s important to note that Mary Motunrayo Awoniyi is the reason her son became a football player.
The choice to play the game seriously came at the same time that Taiwo Awoniyi’s mother granted his childhood wish. Taiwo got a ball as a gift from Mary when she went to the market.
All the boy wanted at that time was his soccer ball, and getting it changed his whole life. This is how Taiwo Awoniyi’s mom tells the story.
In the beginning, the child couldn’t do other things because they kicked the ball around too much. As Taiwo Awoniyi’s mother said, some of his son’s friends told him he shouldn’t play football so much.
Mrs. Mary Motunrayo Awoniyi made sure Taiwo didn’t listen to those critics. From the start, that mother-son bond was strong, and it has been very rewarding.
Awoniyi’s first football games were on the dirty streets of Ilorin, North-West Nigeria. His life changed in July 2009. Little Taiwo was one of the lucky kids who got to see Jose Mourinho when he came to Nigeria.
Mourinho’s visit changed the lives of young Awoniyi and other boys, like Emmanuel Dennis, who also started in the school. The Imperial Football Academy found out about Awoniyi’s skills in Ilorin’s grassroots scene.
Little Awoniyi and the other kids were really inspired by Jose Mourinho’s trip to Kwara state in Ilorin, Nigeria.
Solomon Awoniyi, son of his mother, finally got what they wanted. Taiwo Awoniyi thanked his parents for their support by promising to do a lot for them when he became a famous football player.
Suddenly, the goal of becoming a doctor was no longer alive. That’s when everyone in the family started cheering for their Success.
Taiwo Awoniyi’s Journey to Football Stardom
Taiwo Awoniyi’s early life took a significant turn when he joined the Imperial Soccer Academy at the age of 13. The academy, owned by Seyi Olofinjana and Atiba Bankole, played a crucial role in his development as a young footballer. They convinced Taiwo’s parents to let him move to Lagos, about 200 km away from his hometown, to focus on his football career.
At Imperial Academy, Taiwo received professional training, and his parents were relieved that he no longer had to worry about fixing his boots or finding his way home from training. Seyi Olofinjana and Atiba Bankole provided Taiwo with the best opportunities to grow, and he made the most of it. He dedicated himself to football and school, spending hours in the gym to improve his physical fitness.
Taiwo’s Rise to Fame
Taiwo’s journey to stardom was not without its challenges. Initially, Imperial Soccer Academy hesitated to let him join a big club, fearing he would be overshadowed by more established players. However, when Liverpool came calling in 2017, they couldn’t resist. Taiwo’s dream of playing at Anfield seemed within reach, but work permit issues led to loan stints at various clubs between 2015 and 2021.
Loan Journeys
Taiwo played for FSV Frankfurt, NEC, Mouscron, Gent, Mainz 05, and Union Berlin during his loan stints. Although these experiences were challenging, they helped him grow as a footballer. Back home, everyone knew Taiwo was struggling to break into the Super Eagles due to his limited playing time in the minor leagues.
Breakthrough and Success
Luck finally smiled on Taiwo when Union Berlin’s sports director noticed him during his loan spell at Mainz 05. He impressed in his debut season, scoring in three consecutive Bundesliga games. Taiwo’s form earned him a long-term deal and a call-up to the Nigerian national team in late 2021. He played alongside Paul Onuachu and eventually achieved his Premier League dream when Nottingham Forest signed him for a record-breaking £17 million on June 25, 2022.
New Chapter at Nottingham Forest
Taiwo’s move to Nottingham Forest marks a new chapter in his career. With a talented squad and a supportive coach in Steve Cooper, Taiwo is poised for success in the Premier League. His journey serves as a testament to perseverance and determination, inspiring young footballers everywhere.
Taiwo Awoniyi Achievements
Nigeria U17
- FIFA U-17 World Cup: 2013
Nigeria U20
- African U-20 Championship: 2015
Individual
- African U-20 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2015
