Newly promoted Coventry City will launch their Premier League campaign tonight at the Emirates Stadium with new marquee signing Taiwo Awoniyi targeting a statement debut against defending champions Arsenal.
The former Nottingham Forest forward, who completed his move to Coventry to bolster Frank Lampard’s attack, is set to spearhead the Sky Blues’ frontline in their first top-flight fixture in 25 years.
Speaking at the club’s Ryton training ground ahead of the curtain-raiser, Awoniyi made no secret of his intentions for the campaign ahead:
I think for sure, goals. Like I said, goals. And hard work as well. To give everything for them,’ Awoniyi said.
The 29-year-old Nigerian international, who described himself as a ‘quiet dreamer’ inspired by his father, also shared light-hearted insight into his life offline. Asked to name the most high-profile contact stored in his phone, Awoniyi pointed to Super Eagles teammate and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen.
‘Oh, Victor Osimhen. Of course, Osi-goal, number one!’ he laughed.
Reflecting on his career path, Awoniyi cited his FIFA U-17 World Cup title with Nigeria and his move into the Premier League as his crowning moments so far – a standard he hopes to build on when Coventry face Mikel Arteta’s side in London.
Arsenal enter the opener buoyed by a 3-0 Community Shield win over Manchester City, but Lampard’s side will be eager to write a new chapter on their top-flight comeback. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 WAT.