Coventry City begin their return to the Premier League tonight at the Emirates Stadium, where new attacking recruit Taiwo Awoniyi hopes to make an immediate impression against reigning champions Arsenal.
Awoniyi ready to lead Coventry’s attack
The former Nottingham Forest striker joined Coventry to strengthen Frank Lampard’s forward line and is expected to spearhead the Sky Blues’ first top-flight outing in 25 years.
Speaking before the opening fixture at the club’s Ryton training base, the 29-year-old Nigerian international set out his priorities for the season:
- Awoniyi said he wants to contribute goals while matching that output with relentless effort.
- He promised to give everything for Coventry throughout the campaign.
“For sure, I want goals — that is what I said, goals — but also hard work and giving everything for the team,” Awoniyi said.
A “quiet dreamer” with Osimhen in his contacts
Awoniyi described himself as a “quiet dreamer”, explaining that his ambitions have been shaped by the inspiration he received from his father.
The forward also offered a glimpse of his life away from football when asked which famous person had the most prominent place in his phone contacts. He named Nigeria teammate and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen.
“Victor Osimhen, of course — Osi-goal, number one!” he said with a laugh.
Coventry aiming to build on historic milestones
Looking back over his career, Awoniyi identified two achievements as his standout moments so far: winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup with Nigeria and reaching the Premier League. He now wants to add to that record when Coventry face Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in London.
Arsenal approach the first league match with confidence after defeating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield. Coventry, however, will be determined to mark their top-flight comeback by creating a fresh chapter in the club’s history.
The match is due to begin at 20:00 WAT.
