Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi has been ruled out for months with a groin injury and risks missing Nigerias outing at the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) billed for early next year.

Its bad news on Taiwo, hes had to have surgery and he is going to be out for months, Nottingham Forest Head Coach Steve Cooper said Thursday.

Well support him and try to get him back as quick and as fit as he can be, but its a really unfortunate situation and a blow for him.

The striker picked up the injury in Nigerias 1-1 draw with Lesotho in a Group C qualification game for the 2026 World Cup.

˜A Little While

Awoniyi, 26, has been instrumental for Forest this season. Already, the 26-year-old has four Premier League goals in 10 matches. Last term, he netted 10 times in the domestic campaign as Coopers men battled and survived relegation.

Hes become an important player for us with the goals hes scored and the goals he will score for us, but hes such a good guy and a good professional who is desperate to do well, so to get an injury like this is harsh on him, Cooper added.

Weve got to support him through the process of coming back stronger. Hes done that once before here and Im sure he will give everything again like he did last time.

You think about how well he did when he returned last season, Im sure thats given him a good reference point to come back to.

Well definitely see him again this season, but its groin surgery so it will take a little while.

His injury will be a big concern to the Super Eagles who are set to battle for the top honour at the 2023 AFCON in Cote dIvoire next year. Awoniyi startedNigerias game against Lesothobut returned to England after picking up an injury during the clash. (Channels TV)