Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has revealed that he originally dreamed of becoming a defender before eventually establishing himself as a striker.

The Nottingham Forest forward reflected on his early football journey, explaining that he played in several positions while growing up before settling in attack.

Awoniyi said his football career began at the backline before he gradually moved further forward on the pitch.

“When I was younger, I always played in different positions. I started in defence before moving into midfield and eventually to striker," Awoniyi said to Nottingham Forest's official webpage. 

The Nigerian international explained that a trial match played a key role in his transition into a centre-forward.

"Once, when I went to a trial, we were short of a player so I had to play as a 10 and a striker as well. I scored goals then as well, so since then I always wanted to be a centre forward," he narrated. 

Despite embracing life as a striker, Awoniyi admitted he initially enjoyed playing as a centre-back during his early days with friends.

“Before being a forward, I wanted to be a centre back. I always enjoyed playing there with my friends, but further down the line I wanted to be a forward and I’ve played there ever since," Awoniyi added. 

He also recalled a moment when a coach asked him to fill in as a defender during a trial, highlighting his versatility on the pitch.

“When I was at trials, one of my coaches told me, ‘I know you’re a forward but I think you’re smart enough to play anywhere.

"And on that day we were short of a defender so he asked me to play as a centre back and I did OK. After that, I always thought that if I couldn’t be a forward, I would be a defender," he concluded. 

Awoniyi has endured a difficult campaign with Forest, struggling for regular playing time and form.

The former Union Berlin striker has made just 10 league appearances this season, accumulating around 222 minutes.

His limited minutes at club level have also affected his chances with the Nigeria national football team, as he missed out on the squad for the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. 

Awoniyi will now be hoping to rediscover his best form and earn more opportunities at Forest as he looks to fight his way back into both club and national team contention.

Adeyemi Adewale