We played as team against Zambia- Taiwo Awoniyi

Tomiwa Babalola

Flying Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi has attributed Nigeria's 2-1 victory over Zambia in the final round, second leg qualifier for the All African Games in Lusaka on Sunday to teamwork.

The national U-20 forward, who was drafted alongside four others to the Dream Team VI scored twice to earn the Samson Siasia's men a spot at the 2015 edition of the AAG later this year.

Taiwo scored three goals at the just concluded African Youth Championship in Senegal, one short of his team captain that won the highest goal of the tournament with four goals.

"First, I give God the glory for the priviledge given to me to be here and thanks to the Chief Coach (Samson Siasia) and the staff for giving me the oppourtunity to be part of the team," Awoniyi told Goal.

"I believe that I will score though I was not the only one that qualify the team, but the team generally did from the Chief Coach and staff to every member of the team. 

"And again, i've always put my trust and hope in God in every game for God to give me the grace to score, that's my target right from the start of the game and give God the glory for that," the former Golden Eaglets star said.

"I believe with God on my side still have a long way to go. I'm just 17 and will be 18 this year. So still have a lot to learn in the game and to improve on but give praise to God for what he has been doing.

The 17-year-old who starred for the Flying Eagles in winning the Africa U-20 championship in Senegal, revealed that he is without an attacking role model though setting out to become one of the successful strikers in the World as he continues to learn the rope. 

"I'm aiming to achieve as all strikers are like I said still have a lot to learn from them all they a role model. Respect all of them (strikers) and looking up to all of them but my best striker are many so can't even mention one. They are all delight to watch and learning a lot from them.

The Kalmar FF of Sweden player reveals he will be happy if picked for the All African Games in September but insists his main priority is making the Flying Eagles squad to the Fifa World Youth Championship in New Zealand.

"I'll be glad and pray to God to, but every thing is step by step. My aim now is to put in my best in the U-20 camp in making the World Cup squad becuase I believe that's the next at hand for me now," he concluded. Goal