Taiwo Awoniyi: Super Eagles star narrates emotional story about his background

Super Eagles star, Taiwo Awoniyi has narrated the story of how he became a professional footballer instead of chasing a degree at a university.

The Nigerian striker, who currently plays for Premier League side Nottingham Forest, revealed how he used the money meant for him to register for an exam to pursue his dream.

Awoniyi joined Liverpool after the under-17 2013 FIFA World Cup in the United Arab Emirates but failed to make the first team due to problems with his work permit.

During an interview with Osasu Obayiuwana for the Guardian, the former Reds striker revealed why he opted for football despite his father's wish for him to pursue a university education.

26-year-old Awoniyi said his father had to actually borrow money to pay for his entrance exams at the time but had a different idea of how to utilise the funds.

"I went to the person that was supposed to help register me for the exam in the morning, and he was not around. I went there again in the evening, and they told me he still wasn’t around."

The Super Eagles striker then told his father would like to follow his passion - football - later using the money to register with Imperial Soccer Academy when they came calling.

It was actually on the way back from that trip that Awoniyi received a call from the Ogun State academy stating they wanted him to attend.

"I went back to my dad and said: 'I do want to keep on going to school. But my passion is football, so let me use this money to get myself down to the academy'."

The Nottingham striker claimed his decision to register with the Imperial Soccer Academy was a turning point in his life, with his football dream eventually paying off in the long run.

However, Awoniyi also admitted the journey was not an easy one.

The former Union Berlin striker is now a regular in the Nigerian national team and also one of the top strikers in the English top flight, alongside the likes of Erling Haaland, Callum Wilson, and Ollie Watkins.