The Super Eagles striker was substituted in the second half as Coventry remained without a point after three Premier League matches.
Taiwo Awoniyi has come under criticism after missing a clear scoring opportunity during Coventry City’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League.
The Nigeria international found himself in a promising position during the first half after Coventry capitalised on a mistake in the Manchester City defence.
Awoniyi raced through on goal but was unable to find the target, sending his effort wide when he had an opportunity to put the visitors in front.
Former Coventry midfielder Don Hutchison, who was working on the Premier League broadcast, felt the striker should have done more with the opening.
Hutchison praised Awoniyi’s movement to create the opportunity but questioned his composure when it mattered.
The missed chance ultimately proved costly for Coventry as Manchester City went on to secure a narrow victory at the Etihad Stadium.
Awoniyi unable to punish Man City
Coventry made a promising start and could have taken the lead when Awoniyi broke through the Manchester City defence.
The Nigerian forward, who joined Coventry during the summer after his difficult spell at Nottingham Forest, could not finish the opportunity as his shot went wide.
Manchester City responded by taking control of the match and eventually broke the deadlock in the 26th minute.
Enzo Fernández played a key role in the build-up before releasing Antoine Semenyo, whose cross found Erling Haaland inside the penalty area.
The Norwegian striker rose above the Coventry defence to head the ball into the net and give City a 1-0 lead.
It was enough to secure all three points for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Coventry fail to find an equaliser
Despite trailing, Coventry continued to create opportunities and threatened the Manchester City goal during the second half.
City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was called upon to make important saves, including a late stop to deny substitute Ellis Simms.
Coventry also saw chances come and go as they searched for an equaliser, but they could not find a way past the City defence.
Awoniyi was replaced by Simms in the 71st minute as manager Frank Lampard looked for a different attacking option.
The result leaves Coventry still searching for their first Premier League point and goal of the campaign after three matches.
Awoniyi will look to respond
For Awoniyi, the missed opportunity will be particularly frustrating because it came in a match where Coventry were capable of causing Manchester City problems.
The 28-year-old striker has returned to the Premier League looking to rediscover his best form after a difficult period at Nottingham Forest.
His move to Coventry represents an opportunity to play more regularly and rebuild his confidence.
The Nigerian forward will now hope to put the Manchester City setback behind him and respond in Coventry’s next Premier League fixture.
With a long season ahead, Awoniyi will have plenty of opportunities to make his mark for the newly promoted side.
For now, however, the missed chance at the Etihad will remain one of the major talking points from Coventry’s narrow defeat.