Nigeria international forward Taiwo Awoniyi has publicly stated that he harbors no competitive desire to outshine fellow Super Eagles strikers Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface for a place in the national team's lineup. The Nottingham Forest player emphasized that his primary focus lies in personal growth and development, rather than engaging in rivalry with his compatriots.

Speaking to Humble Boots, Awoniyi made his stance clear: "I’ve never had the intention of saying, ‘I want to be better than Osimhen’ or ‘I want to be better than Boniface.’ I just want to be the best version of myself this year. Whether I’m playing or not, it’s about improving myself."

The 27-year-old striker articulated his belief that each player's career trajectory is unique, and therefore, striving to surpass another's achievements is not a philosophy he adheres to. "Everyone’s destiny is different," Awoniyi added. "I’ve never chased the goal of being better than someone else. Even if I’m not on the pitch, it’s about what I’m doing when I’m not playing. That’s what matters to me, being ready when the opportunity comes."

Addressing the intense competition for attacking positions within the Super Eagles squad, Awoniyi downplayed any suggestion of being overshadowed by other prominent strikers. He highlighted the transient nature of football, asserting that opportunities arise for everyone in due course. "Football is all about competition. If it’s your moment, it’s your moment," he stated. "I don’t see myself getting knocked off or knocking someone else off. If it’s my time, even the big names will watch me play."

Furthermore, the former Liverpool player pointed out that the ultimate decisions regarding team selection rest with the coaching staff, not the players themselves. "When it comes to the Super Eagles, it’s never on you to decide. You can’t just say, ‘I want to be in the first eleven’ or ‘I want to be the main striker.’ That’s not your call. All you can do is work on becoming the player you want to be."

As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations draws nearer, Awoniyi maintained that his path to securing a place in the tournament squad lies in consistent personal performance rather than attempting to outperform his fellow forwards. "I don’t believe I need to be better than Osimhen or Boniface to get to the AFCON," he concluded. 

"If I get more minutes, if I score goals, then I’ll make it. But I just want to be better at what I’m doing, for myself." Awoniyi's mature and team-oriented perspective underscores a potentially harmonious dynamic within the Super Eagles' talented attacking unit as they prepare for upcoming challenges.