Taiwo Awoniyi is a Nigerian footballer who plays as a striker for Nottingham Forest and the Super Eagles. Known for his strength, speed, and goal-scoring skills, he has become a key player in the Premier League and a proud representative of Nigeria on the world stage.
| Name | Taiwo Michael Awoniyi |
| Age | 28 years old |
| Date of Birth | August 12, 1997 |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Footballer |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | Yoruba |
| State of Origin | Kwara |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Net Worth | £13 million |
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Taiwo Awoniyi Biography
Taiwo Michael Awoniyi is a Nigerian professional footballer, born on August 12, 1997, in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. He is a talented striker currently playing for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League and also represents the Nigeria national team (Super Eagles). Taiwo grew up in a humble background and started playing football at a young age. His passion and dedication helped him rise from the streets of Ilorin to international football.
Taiwo Educational Background
Taiwo Awoniyi began his early education in Ilorin. Although most of his focus was on football, he also attended the Kwara Football Academy, where he balanced both academics and sports. It was during his time there that his talent caught the attention of big names in football.
Taiwo Career
Taiwo’s career took off when he was discovered at a Coca-Cola football competition in London in 2010. He joined Imperial Soccer Academy, owned by Seyi Olofinjana, and from there, he got the opportunity to join Liverpool in 2015.
Although Liverpool never gave him a chance to play directly, he went on several loan spells to clubs like:
- FSV Frankfurt (Germany)
- NEC Nijmegen (Netherlands)
- Royal Excel Mouscron and Gent (Belgium)
- Mainz 05 and Union Berlin (Germany)
In 2021, Union Berlin signed him permanently after he impressed on loan. Then, in 2022, Nottingham Forest signed him for a club-record fee of £17.5 million.
He scored key goals that helped Forest remain in the Premier League, including the winning goal against Arsenal in May 2023.
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Taiwo Salary
Taiwo Awoniyi currently earns £50,000 per week, which adds up to about £2.6 million annually. His five-year contract with Nottingham Forest, signed in July 2022, is worth £13 million in total. This makes him one of the highest-paid Nigerian players in the Premier League.
Taiwo Awards
Taiwo Awoniyi has earned recognition for his hard work and performances both for Nigeria and his club. Below are some of his notable awards:
- 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup Winner (with Nigeria U-17)
- 2015 African U-20 Championship Winner
- Nottingham Forest Player of the Month (various months)
- Set a record in August 2023 as the first Forest player to score in six straight EPL games since 1995.
Taiwo’s Age
Taiwo Awoniyi was born on August 12, 1997. He is 28 years old as of 2025.
Taiwo’s Injury
On 11 May 2025, during a match against Leicester City, Taiwo suffered a serious abdominal injury. He underwent urgent surgery and was placed in an induced coma. Fortunately, he recovered and was declared stable on 15 May 2025. He has been recovering gradually since then.
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Taiwo Religion
Taiwo Awoniyi is a devoted Christian. He often shares Bible verses and faith-based messages on social media and is known for openly expressing his religious beliefs.
Taiwo Personal Life
Taiwo is a twin; his sister’s name is Kehinde. He is also very close to his elder brother Victor Awoniyi, whom he sees as a father figure. Taiwo is known for being humble and deeply rooted in family values.
Taiwo Wife
Taiwo is married to Taiye Jesudun, who is also a twin. Their love story began in secondary school and grew stronger over the years. They got married in a traditional and white wedding ceremony on 15 and 16 June 2018, respectively.
Taiwo Children
Taiwo and Taiye have a son named Emmanuel Awoniyi, born in 2020. The couple often shares heartwarming moments with their child on social media.
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Taiwo Parents
Taiwo’s parents are Elder Solomon Adewoye Awoniyi, a retired police officer, and Mary Motunrayo Awoniyi. They supported his football dreams despite their modest income and background.
Taiwo Net Worth
Taiwo Awoniyi’s estimated net worth is around £13 million, as of 2025. His main source of wealth comes from football contracts and salaries, with minimal involvement in brand endorsements.
Taiwo Social Media Handles
Taiwo Awoniyi is active on major social media platforms where he shares highlights from his football career, personal life, family moments, and expressions of his faith. You can follow him via:
- Instagram: @awoniyi18
- Website: taiwoawoniyi.com.
Taiwo Career Statistics
Taiwo Awoniyi has built a strong football career by playing in top leagues across Europe and representing Nigeria at different levels. Known for his energy, strength, and goal-scoring ability, he has delivered important performances for both club and country. Below is a summary of his career goals and assists:
| Competition / League | Team(s) | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA U‑17 World Cup (2013) | Nigeria U‑17 | 4 | 5 |
| FIFA U‑20 World Cup (2015) | Nigeria U‑20 | 2 | 2 |
| African U‑20 Championship (2015) | Nigeria U‑20 | 3 | – |
| African U‑23 Championship (2015) | Nigeria U‑23 | 1 | – |
| Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2021) | Nigeria Super Eagles | 1 | – |
| Jupiler Pro League (Belgium) | Mouscron, Gent | 14 | 7 |
| Eredivisie (Netherlands) | NEC Nijmegen | 2 | – |
| Bundesliga (Germany) | Mainz 05, Union Berlin | 21 | 5 |
| UEFA Conference League | Union Berlin | 2 | – |
| Premier League (England) | Nottingham Forest | 13 | 3 |
| DFB‑Pokal (German Cup) | FSV Frankfurt, Mainz, Union Berlin | 1 | 2 |
| EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) | Nottingham Forest | 1 | – |
| Beloften Eerste Divisie (Netherlands) | NEC Nijmegen | 5 | 1 |
