With Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle placing his trust in the in-form duo of Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface, Awoniyi remains calm and focused on his own development in order to become a regular in the national team.
Speaking on the Humble Boots podcast, Awoniyi made it clear that he doesn't feel pressured to outperform the big names to earn a national team call-up, instead, he views competition as a natural part of football.
"I think I knock them off sometimes. That's all football is all about - competition. If it's your moment, it's your moment. In all fairness to all these big names you've mentioned, I believe if it's my moment, many of them will watch me playing as well," said the striker.
He stressed that selection decisions lie solely with the coach and not with the players, while making it clear that his mindset is not based on comparison or rivalry.
"When it comes to the Super Eagles, it's never on you to make the decision. You can't say, 'I want to be in the first 11, or the next game, or be the top striker.' It's never your call. The best you can do is develop yourself into who you want to be," he added.
"I've never thought, 'I want to be better than this player or that one.' I believe everyone's destiny is different. I just want to be the best version of myself this year - whether it's playing or not playing."
As the race for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco heats up, Awoniyi's calm, reflective mindset could be just what sets him apart in the long run.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo provided an encouraging update on Taiwo Awoniyi's condition after the striker underwent emergency surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Leicester City.
Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina believes the injury suffered by teammate Taiwo Awoniyi during their 2-2 draw against Leicester City could have been avoided if the offside flag had been raised earlier.
South Africa's Amajita clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nigeria's Flying Eagles in the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final at Suez Canal Stadium on Thursday, securing their spot in the 2025 final.
Nottingham Forest have firmly denied media reports suggesting a heated altercation took place between club owner Evangelos Marinakis and manager Nuno Espírito Santo following Sunday's 2–2 Premier League draw with Leicester City,.
