Taiwo Awoniyi, reveale why he loves to play the popular praise and worship song of Glowreeyah Braimah – Your name is Yahweh, at dawn. Admitting his life and football career is nothing but a miracle.
“Awoniyi, yet again, erupted into his favourite melodious chorus: “Your name is Yahweh; your name is Yahweh; you’re the miracle working God; your name is Yahweh. My favourite song has been composed and sung by many gospel singers,” began Awoniyi days after he signed another long five-year contract with Liverpool; and before going on with the late night conversation with our correspondent.”
Awoniyi’s career has been miraculous since he was spotted few years ago on the streets of Ilorin by United Academy Football Club.
It was from there Awoniyi went to Imperial Soccer Academy owned by former Nigerian international midfielder, Seyi Olofinjana, after posting a fine performance at the Copa-Coca Cola tournament London where he was voted one of the Most Valuable Players.
He would soon be on his way to the national Under-15 side where he played along with the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidera Eze, amongst other budding talents with whom he was promoted to the national U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets class of 2013.
Sparingly used until the team’s main striker, Isaac Success, copped an injury in the second FIFA U-17 World Cup match against Sweden, Awoniyi seized the moment at the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain by scoring the important equaliser in that nervy 3-3 draw against the Europeans.
He ended the tournament with four important goals that helped Nigeria to her fourth title at the global cadet championship and his career has been on the upward swing ever since.
Two years later, his goals also helped the Flying Eagles to a gold-rious finish at the 2015 African Under-20 Nations Cup in Senegal Eagles which qualified the country to the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.
Awoniyi’s potentialities were there for all to see in New Zealand despite the Flying Eagles’ little success since he was snapped up by English Premier League side, Liverpool Football Club.
“I feel happy and really excited about this new contract with Liverpool and all thanks to God because he made all things possible,” offered Awoniyi with his usual pure smiles. “To be honest, I never see it (the new contract) coming; all my goal was just to get better and work hard wherever I found myself but it’s part of what I asked God before the beginning of the last season and he made it possible.
“This is a long-term contract which will keep me as LFC (Liverpool Football Club) player for more years and I know playing for Liverpool is what will happen eventually if I get the work permit and the coach finds me fitting in the style of play of the club
“But I believe giving me a new contract is due to the trust and belief the club and the coaching staff have in me based on how I’ve developed in the first three years (of the initial contract). I just have to work harder and hopefully, God ‘ll make it a success.”