Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has emerged as Nigeria’s highest-ranked player on the all-time Premier League list of longest carries leading to goals since the 2015‑16 season.

According to Opta data, Awoniyi’s 54.7‑metre drive before scoring against Manchester United at Old Trafford in August 2023 ranks him eighth on the elite list, highlighting his pace, strength, and direct style in open play.

The top ten list of longest carries leading to goals includes notable names across the Premier League era.

Andros Townsend holds the record with a 78.9‑metre run for Crystal Palace against West Brom in March 2017, followed by Gastón Ramírez with a 74‑metre effort for Middlesbrough versus Bournemouth in October 2016.

Tottenham’s Son Heung‑min covered 72.3 metres against Burnley in December 2019, while Sofiane Boufal, Gabriel Martinelli, Phil Foden, and Eden Hazard also feature for carries ranging from 62.2 metres to 54.8 metres. 

Anthony Elanga and Antoine Semenyo complete the top ten with distances of 54.1 and 52.4 metres, respectively.

Awoniyi has experienced a challenging season in the Premier League, facing difficulties securing regular playing time.

The 28-year-old has made 12 appearances across all competitions, scoring once and totaling 281 minutes on the pitch.

Wale Adejumo