Quick Facts
AriesBiography
Taiwo Awoniyi Micheal (born August 12, 1997) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for the Dutch Side NEC on loan from Premier League club Liverpool. Taiwo's style of play has been compared to that of Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria's all-time highest goalscorer.
Club career
Early career
In 2010, Taiwo was voted the Most Valuable Player at a Coca-Cola football competition in London. His performance at the competition was spotted by Seyi Olofinjana who made him join Imperial Soccer Academy.
Liverpool
On 31 August 2015, Taiwo signed for Liverpool F.C. for a fee of around £400,000 but was immediately loaned out to FSV Frankfurt.
Loan to FSV Frankfurt
He made his debut for the club as a late substitute in a German Cup match against Hertha Berlin. After being named as a substitute for six league matches, he made his debut on 19 February 2016, playing 89 minutes against FC St. Pauli.
Loan to NEC
On 26 August 2016, NEC confirmed that he had joined them on a season-long loan and was expected to join the squad the following week after the formalities of his work permit were completed. On 10 September, he made his first competitive debut in the Eredivisie after a 4–0 defeat of NEC to PSV Eindhoven. He was however replaced in the 72nd minute by Michael Heinloth.
International career
Taiwo represented Nigeria at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup and went on to win the tournament, scoring four goals during the competition. He also represented Nigeria at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand after winning the 2015 African U-20 Championship in Senegal.
On 12 April 2015, he scored a brace on his debut for the Nigeria U-23 team in a match against Zambia, as his team went on to qualify for the 2015 All African Games.
He was selected by Nigeria for their 35-man provisional squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Career statistics
- As of match played 2 December 2016
| Club | Season | League | Cup | League Cup | Europe | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Liverpool | 2015–16 | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FSV Frankfurt (loan) | 2015–16 | 2. Bundesliga | 13 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 14 | 1 | ||
| N.E.C. (loan) | 2016–17 | Eredivisie | 10 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 11 | 1 | ||
| Career total | 23 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 2 | ||
Honours
International
- FIFA U-17 World Cup – 2013
- African U-20 Championship – 2015
Recognitions
In recognition for his performance at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup competition, Taiwo along with his team-mates were bestowed with the Member of the Order of the Niger award. It was also reported in the media that there were plans by the Kwara State House of Assembly to name a major street after him.