Taiwo Awoniyi Urges Young Players To Balance Football With Education 

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria striker, Taiwo Awoniyi has back young players not to neglect their educational pursuit despite active professional football career.

He recently graduated from the Players Football Association (PFA) Business School with a Postgraduate Diploma in Global Football Sport Directorship.

The Coventry City forward said this is his third educational qualification including a degree and in Diploma in Business Management.

He describes himself as a silent achiever who never played with his academics despite the stringent schedule as a professional player.

“I’ve got a degree in business management and another diploma. So, this is my third qualification. I say to people, I am a quiet dreamer. I always felt education was important. It’s not like a 9-5 job in football. We go in and sometimes finish quite early,” he said.

Awoniyi admitted, it’s not an easy task combining education which is fine demanding with an active career whereas both career differences have a huge impact on him.

“Although it’s challenging, I think every footballer has time in the evening for something like this business school. Of course, it demands a lot from you, and it’s all about how willing you are to do it. I say to people there are a lot of things that are bigger than football.”

Awoniyi believes football is a passion for the players but the World fail to see them as normal humans due to their public image.

“Yes, football is our passion, but we are normal human beings as well, and maybe that’s something the world doesn’t always see.”