Ex-Ajax Star Urges Taiwo Awoniyi to Fight for Place In Liverpool Squad

Former Nigerian international Tijani Babangida has advised compatriot Taiwo Awoniyi to shun any thought about leaving Liverpool as he has the ability to star for the dethroned English champions.

Awoniyi is yet to play for Liverpool since he joined the Premier League giants six years ago, following his exploits at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Partly due to not having a work permit to play in England, the former Golden Eaglets star has had his dream of showing his quality in the world’s most glamorous league put on hold.

During that time, Awoniyi took in loan spells at FSV Frankfurt, NEC, Royal Mouscron (twice), Gent, Mainz, and Union Berlin.

Awoniyi has finally been issued a UK work permit. It has arrived at the perfect time after the 23-year-old enjoyed a fantastic time in the Bundesliga, collecting five goals and three assists in 21 appearances for Union Berlin.

Blessed with an array of attacking options, including Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Mohamed Salah, among others, Liverpool can afford to let the Nigerian leave permanently this summer.

Anderlecht and a couple of Championship clubs are among the clubs linked with Awoniyi’s services.

But former Ajax winger Babangida has tasked Awoniyi to stay and fight for his place in Liverpool as the Reds play a style of football that will suit him perfectly.

“For Taiwo, I believe that [his work permit] is good news,” Babangida told Tribalfootball.com.

“Congratulations. We can’t wait for him to start playing for Liverpool. The football in Liverpool is always to locate the striker, and I think Taiwo is equal to the task.

“He should stay and fight for his place in Liverpool, not just to be a Liverpool player, always on loan to some clubs in Europe.”

Liverpool, though, have reportedly put an £8m price tag on Awoniyi, who is under contract until 2023.