Liverpool on-loan striker Taiwo Awoniyi expected to be part of Nigeria's 2019 AFCON squad after an impressive season at the Belgian League
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The 21-year-old, who is yet to make a first team appearance for the Reds having failed to gain a work permit, enjoyed a goal-laden loan spell with Royal Excel Mouscron during the second half of last season, scoring 11 goals from just 16 appearances.
But it wasn't enough for the uncapped forward to earn a place in Gernot Rohr's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament which kicks off in Egypt on June 21.
Reflecting on his exclusion, the forward revealed his dismay but insisted he has not given up hope of forcing his way into the squad in future.
"Actually for me if a player is trying his best in his club, you believe you are doing the best you can and if you don't get invited, not even once, you'll be sad about it," Awoniyi said.
"That is the truth, but there is nothing you can do about it. You just have to keep on working and keep on believing in yourself, that is football."