Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has won the ‘Beyond the Pitch’ Award at the 2026 Best of Africa Awards, recognising his efforts to give young Nigerian footballers better opportunities through charity work and grassroots development, Footynaija.com reports.
The honour comes as Awoniyi deepens his involvement in youth football in Kwara State, where he grew up before building a professional career in Europe. Rather than limit his contribution to donations, the Coventry City forward has taken a direct role in creating opportunities for youngsters hoping to follow a similar path.
In July 2025, Awoniyi became the majority shareholder of the Kwara Kiddies League, having first joined the competition as a sponsor in 2024. He took on the role of chairman and said he wanted to give young players a clearer path to develop their talent, while helping them find discipline and purpose through football.
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The league involved 14 academies and more than 500 youngsters during its 2026 season, providing a platform for children to train and compete.
Awoniyi’s latest contribution came earlier this month when his foundation donated 350 pairs of football boots to players in the competition. Punch reported that the distribution was attended by Kwara State Sports Commission chairman Bolakale Mogaji, who praised the striker’s continued investment in youth football.
The foundation has also supported the league with playing kits, meals and cash rewards for outstanding players. The competition has worked to improve players’ visibility through scouting and analysis platforms, including Wyscout and Eyeball.
The Best of Africa Awards celebrates Africans whose achievements are matched by contributions to their communities. Awoniyi’s ‘Beyond the Pitch’ honour recognises a side of his career that is measured not by goals or appearances, but by the opportunities he is helping create for the next generation.
