Awoniyi, Onyeka, Ajayi set for EPL clash

Three Nigerian internationals, Taiwo Awoniyi, Frank Onyeka and Semi Ajayi are set to clash in the English Premier League matchday two fixture this weekend.

The clash billed for Saturday is involving newly-promoted sides as Coventry City host Hull City at the Coventry Building Society (CBS) Arena.

It was a rosy weekend for Ajayi, as he was on song for Hull City when they humbled Manchester United 2-0 at the MKM Stadium in a season’s opener.

Ajayi opened the scoring for the Tigers in the 17th minute when he finished a rebound, while Nobel Mendy doubled their advantage before half-time.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) silver medallist’s heroics against Michael Carrick’s side earned him the Man of the Match award.

It also earned Ajayi a place among the seven nominees for the Player of The Week Award, but the prize was won by Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.

The 32-year-old says he would turn the Tigers to a team to fear this season.

“It’s amazing. I want to play at the highest level and test myself at the highest level.

“Personally, I just want to win as many games as possible. I will be ready to help the team to keep our place in the Premier League. We know it is not an easy fight, and we had a good pre-season preparation for it,” Ajayi told RG.

In contrast, Awoniyi, came on as a substitute for Ellis Reco Simms in the 70th minute during the season’s opener last Friday, where Coventry City suffered a 0-3 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

ALSO READ: Why I joined Coventry — Awoniyi

Awoniyi who netted 21 goals in 90 EPL appearances for Nottingham Forest between 2022 and 2026, eventually opened his goals account at Coventry on Tuesday, when the Sky Blues pipped Plymouth Argyle 4-2 in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

The former Union Berlin forward who made his first start since his arrival, scored for Frank Lampard’s side in the third minute with a right-footed shot, and a few minutes later assisted Jack Rudoni to find the back of the net.