Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi made an instant impact on his first start for Coventry City, scoring and providing an assist as Frank Lampard’s side defeated Plymouth Argyle 4-2 in the Carabao Cup second round.
Awoniyi needed only three minutes to announce himself at Home Park, finishing calmly from inside the box to put Coventry City ahead.
The Nigerian forward was played through after a clever move involving Caleb Yirenkyi, before using his right foot to guide the ball into the bottom-right corner and register his first goal for the club.
The former Nottingham Forest striker was involved again almost immediately.
Just two minutes after scoring, Awoniyi turned provider as he released Jack Rudoni, who found the net from the edge of the area to give Coventry a 2-0 lead inside the opening five minutes.
Plymouth, however, refused to surrender.
Oliver Irow pulled one back for the League One side in the 21st minute, and Xavier Amaechi completed the comeback nine minutes after the interval to make it 2-2.
Coventry regained control in the 67th minute when substitute Ephron Mason-Clark restored their advantage. Victor Torp then added a fourth from the penalty spot in the 78th minute to settle the entertaining cup tie.
Awoniyi was withdrawn before the final stages of the contest as Coventry successfully protected their lead and booked their place in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Awoniyi makes strong first start for Coventry
The performance represented an encouraging start to Awoniyi’s time as a Coventry City player.
The Nigeria international had previously made his Coventry debut from the bench during the club’s 3-0 Premier League defeat away to Arsenal. His first start therefore provided an opportunity to make a more substantial contribution, and he took it.
Scoring within three minutes and adding an assist shortly afterwards gave the striker a direct hand in two of Coventry’s four goals.
The result was also Coventry’s first win of the new campaign after their opening-day Premier League defeat at Arsenal.
For Awoniyi, the display will provide an important confidence boost as he continues his bid to establish himself at Coventry and rediscover his best goalscoring form.
The Super Eagles striker will now hope his impressive Coventry City debut performance can be the beginning of a productive spell with the Premier League newcomers.