TAIWO Awoniyi will miss Nigeria’s international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique next week in Portugal due to a groin injury, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The three-time African champions are billed to face Saudi Arabia next Friday before battling Mozambique three days later.
The Nigerian striker was not included in Nottingham Forest’s matchday squad against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Speaking prior to the encounter at Selhurst Park, Forest head coach, Steve Cooper revealed that the Tricky Trees’ top scorer in the EPL will likely be out for a month.
“It will be different,” Cooper said explaining Awoniyi’s absence.
“He has been involved and been important for us. He picked up a groin injury in the last game that will probably rule him out for a month.
“We’ve got some options now from the summer signings and more players available to us. We’ve got Woody (Chris Wood) coming in and Divock Origi on the bench, who is getting up to speed.”
Awoniyi has scored three times this season and provided two assists in seven Premier League games for Nottingham Forest so far this term, though he has failed to score in his last five games in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Ola Aina was also not listed for the game, confirming that he has failed a late fitness test.
The left-back missed Forest’s last game due to injury and may also miss the Eagles friendlies in Portugal.
