By Stephen Simon
Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi announced himself in style at Coventry City, scoring once and providing an assist in the Sky Blues’ 4-2 victory over Plymouth Argyle in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Awoniyi, who recently joined Coventry from Nottingham Forest, was handed his first full start for the club and wasted no time making an impact.
The Nigerian forward opened the scoring in the third minute, firing a right-footed effort from the left side of the penalty area into the bottom-right corner.
He turned provider moments later, setting up Jack Rudoni to score Coventry’s second goal and put the home side firmly in control of the contest.
Ephron Mason-Clark and Victor Torpe added second-half goals as Coventry sealed a comfortable victory and progressed to the next round of the competition.
Awoniyi was substituted with about 20 minutes remaining, with fellow summer signing Sidiki Cherif taking his place after an impressive full debut.
The 2026 summer signing had previously made his Coventry debut as a second-half substitute in the club’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, replacing Ellis Simms.
Having now opened his account for the Sky Blues, Awoniyi will hope to build on the encouraging display and rediscover his scoring touch as Coventry City continue their campaign.
Meanwhile, English-Nigerian teenager Josh Ajala also enjoyed a memorable night in the Carabao Cup, scoring twice on his full debut as West Ham United defeated Southampton 4-1 at St Mary’s Stadium.
West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo named a youthful starting side, with Ajala among five teenagers included in the starting XI.
The 19-year-old, who made his senior debut earlier this month as a late substitute in West Ham’s 3-1 win over Portsmouth, seized his opportunity on the big stage.
After Léo Scienza had opened the scoring early in the game, Ajala brought West Ham level four minutes before the break, rising to head home a delivery from Lewis Orford.
The young forward’s performance capped another encouraging night for Nigerian and Nigerian-eligible players in the English League Cup.
