Awoniyi Overjoyed With MON Award

Kalmar trainee Taiwo Awoniyi was overjoyed after he was bestowed with the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) Award by President Goodluck Jonathan at a ceremony held on Monday at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The attacker and his colleagues in the 2013 Golden Eaglets setup were nominated for the prestigious award after winning the FIFA Under 17 World Cup a record fourth time in the United Arab Emirates.

''I want to dedicate the MON Award to God, my family,  friends and everyone that assisted me in getting this recognition from the President,'' says Taiwo Awoniyi to SL10.ng.

''This is the biggest honour given to me since I was born. I believe this award will motivate me to even work harder. Prayer and hard work will bring me more glory.''

The Imperial Soccer Academy pupil will travel to Sweden in the coming days to resume training with Kalmar, if he is granted a visa by the Scandinavian country.

17-year-old Taiwo Awoniyi clocked up seven appearances for the Golden Eaglets at the FIFA Under 17 World Cup, scoring four goals.