Sporting calendar hit by regional instability with tournaments in the Gulf abandoned
NIGERIAN forward Taiwo Awoniyi has been one of the standout forwards in Europe this season, becoming a regular on the scoresheet in Germany and in the Europa Conference League.
In Europe’s top five leagues, only Robert Lewandowski, Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Karim Benzema have more goals than Awoniyi’s 10 in all competitions so far this season.
The 24-year-old spent six years on the books of Liverpool FC but failed to make an appearance for the club due to problems gaining a permit to work in Britain.
Forward’s rise as the tournament’s leading scorer reflects a journey shaped by heritage and belief as Morocco reach the final, writes JAMES NALTON
Slot’s Reds face potential attacking blow with Salah away and Isak injured
The powerhouse Liverpool forward secured a record-breaking 90 per cent of the vote, while Arsenal’s Alessia Russo topped a wide field to win the women’s award, writes JAMES NALTON



