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Taiwo Awoniyi is starting a new chapter at Coventry City with three famous strikers from different generations as his biggest football influences, Footynaija reports.
The Nigeria international joined the newly-promoted Premier League club permanently this week after ending the 2025-26 season in strong form with Nottingham Forest.
Awoniyi had struggled for regular football for much of the campaign. However, he finished with three goals and two assists in his final six appearances.
Chris Wood and Brazilian forward Igor Jesus were ahead of him in Forest’s attacking options, which left his long-term future at the club unclear.
Now at Coventry, Awoniyi has spoken about the players who helped shape his career. In an interview with fellow Super Eagles player Frank Onyeka, he named Nigeria legend Rashidi Yekini, former Arsenal star Thierry Henry and ex-Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.
“When I watch the video clip of the late Rashidi Yekini of Nigeria, Thierry Henry, and Didier Drogba of course,” Awoniyi said.
Yekini, Nigeria’s all-time leading goalscorer, is regarded as one of the country’s greatest strikers. Henry and Drogba also enjoyed highly successful careers in the Premier League.
Awoniyi also picked two major moments that stand out in his own career.
“When we won the U17 World Cup and also when I moved to the Premier League,” he revealed.
The striker was part of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets team that won the 2013 U17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
His move to Coventry gives him another chance to build on his Premier League experience. The 2026-27 season will also bring a fresh challenge, as Coventry prepare for life among England’s top clubs.
Awoniyi will hope to stay fit, earn regular playing time and provide the goals needed to help Coventry avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
