Blessed with a fearsome right foot, the striker rose to prominence in 2013 when he, alongside extravagant precocious talent like Success Isaac, Musa Yahaya and Kelechi Iheanacho helped Nigeria claim the title at the FIFA U17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

He was promoted to Nigeria's U20s and played his part as the Flying Eagles again won the title at the Africa U20 Championship in Senegal.

Awoniyi is now an integral member of the Nigeria U23 side that recently booked a ticket for the men's football event of the All Africa Games in Congo.

The Dream Team VI is also in the running for a qualification ticket for the Olympics in 2016 and Awoniyi is one of the players at the tip of the spear.

He sat down recently for the robust chat with supersport.com.

You were part of that powerful Nigeria side that crashed out at the round of 16 stage of the 2015 U20 World Cup in New Zealand. Many Nigerians expected the Flying Eagles to win the title but it went awry. Why?

You know I still ask myself that question time and again and I still can't find the answer. When we played against Germany, all of us (players) were not at our best and against such a good team, we were never going to win not playing at our best.

However, in all things, we must give thanks to God. You belong to a rare breed of Nigerian footballers who took the time to develop their academic prowess. Yes and I must thank my parents for that.

Everyone of my siblings has a university degree. The only person yet to do that is my twin sister and she's currently studying for a degree. She is currently at the Polytechnic in Kwara State.

I do not have a university degree yet because my career takes practically all my time but I am certain that in the coming years, I will achieve the dream of picking up a university degree.

Many Nigerians were surprised you did not start for the Dream Team against Congo in last Sunday's Olympic qualifier. Did the coach (Samson Siasia) tell you beforehand you were not going to start?

The truth is I did not feel bad I did not start. I was more concerned with the team winning on the day. Junior Ajayi who started in my place did well and scored two goals on the day so the decision of the coach was justified in the end. The Congolese scored an away goal in Port Harcourt. Will that be the crucial factor in the tie?

I don't think the 2-1 win we recorded in the first leg is a bad result. I am sure that by the grace of God, we will win in Congo in the second leg in Pointe Noire on August 2.

Now let's discuss the more unconventional things about you. Tell us about your favourite food? I was taught by my parents to eat whatever I see. I am not the choosy type. However, I will not mind beans and garri (local delicacy made from processed cassava).

Favourite colour? Yellow and White. Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? (Laughs) Wow. This one is impossible. I will choose Messi if I must make a choice though they are both great footballers that I learn from everyday.

Favourite car? None yet because I do not own a car yet.

Best goal you ever scored? That was the goal I scored for the Golden Eaglets against Uruguay at the U17 World Cup in 2013. (Iheanacho) Kelechi's pass was brilliant and I sneaked in between two defenders and without breaking my stride, I bit the ball and it went in.

Most difficult defender you have ever faced? I can't recall his name but it was a Ghanaian defender at the 2015 Africa U20 Championships. He was so tough and hard as nails. Best coach you have ever worked with. All the coaches I have worked with have been great with me. From coaches Stephen Keshi, Emeka Amadi, Emmanuel Amueneke, Manu Garba, Samson Siasia... .all the coaches I worked with have been amazing.

What is the first thing you do every morning? I pray. It is a habit... a tradition for me.

What would you do if you found a million dollars in your account? Only God knows what tomorrow holds. I will rather wait till I have that amount of money before talking about what to do with it.

If you were to date one woman in the world today, who would that be? (Laughs) I don't have a crush on any woman right now (laughs again).

Favourite club? Arsenal. I have always loved Arsene Wenger's philosophy at the club. Who is the best-dressed member of the Dream Team VI? Saviour Godwin.

And the worst? That has to be Taiwo Awoniyi (Laughs). Thanks for your time, Taiwo. You are welcome.