Awoniyi Reveals How Liverpool Move Shaped His Career

Awoniyi Reveals How Liverpool Move Shaped His Career

Sampson Adedeji

Nigerian international and Taiwo Awoniyi has opened up on how his move to Liverpool F.C. played a crucial role in shaping his professional football career, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The striker, who currently plays for Nottingham Forest F.C., joined the English giants shortly after helping Nigeria U17 national team win the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Despite securing the high-profile move, Awoniyi was unable to make an official appearance for Liverpool due to work permit challenges and spent several seasons out on loan across different European clubs.

Reflecting on the experience, the Nigerian forward admitted that the period played a major role in his development both on and off the pitch.

“Being with Liverpool helped me be who I am today as well,” Awoniyi said.

“Like I said, I always wanted to play in the Premier League and play in England, and by joining Liverpool, I had that opportunity.

“I was hoping to play, but it didn’t happen, so I had to go on loan, which was challenging. 

I had a number of loans in different countries, but it helped me to understand different cultures and different people.

“It also helped me understand more about football and experience what players can go through when they’re on loan.”

Awoniyi further explained that the experiences he gathered during those loan spells were instrumental in shaping his mentality and development as a professional footballer.

“I was still young and going through it with the hope of making it in the Premier League. The loans helped me develop as a player, but after all those moves I said to myself that that would be the last,” he added.

The Nigerian striker eventually established himself in European football before earning his move to Nottingham Forest, where he has become an important figure for the club in the Premier League.