Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has reached another milestone in his career. He graduated from the PFA Business School with a Postgraduate Diploma in Global Football Sport Directorship.
Awoniyi, 29, shared the news on his Facebook page on Tuesday. He called it a proud moment away from football.
“Another proud moment for me off the pitch. 🎓
Graduated from the PFA Business School with a Postgraduate Diploma in Global Football Sport Directorship with Merit.
I have always believed that being a footballer shouldn’t stop you from being a student of the game, and education has become an important part of that journey for me.
Thank you to everyone at the PFA Business School, the lecturers and my colleagues, with whom I had the opportunity to learn alongside.
And a special thank you to my family and friends for their encouragement and support throughout.
Still playing and still learning. The journey continues. 🎓🙏🏾”
The new graduate[Credit: Awoniyi Taiwo Facebook Page]
This qualification adds to Awoniyi’s growth beyond the pitch as he continues his professional career with Premier League newcomers Coventry City.
The PFA Business School is an educational arm of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA). It helps current and former players to prepare for careers in football management and leadership.
Its Postgraduate Diploma in Global Football Sport Directorship gives specialized training in areas like football operations, sporting strategy, management, and the role of a sporting director. The program runs part-time over two academic years. The qualification is awarded by the University of Portsmouth in partnership with the PFA Business School.
Following a growing trend
Awoniyi’s achievement puts him in the company of notable footballers who have pursued education while playing at high levels.
Former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany graduated with a Master’s in Business Administration from Alliance Manchester Business School in 2017. He completed the part-time Global MBA while playing and got a merit grade. His dissertation looked at how Premier League clubs could benefit from home advantage.
Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini also balanced professional football with studies. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Commerce from the University of Turin in 2010. He then finished a Master’s in Business Administration in 2017, graduating cum laude. His master’s thesis focused on Juventus’ business model in an international setting.
For Awoniyi, this new qualification is important as he reaches a key point in his playing career.
Red card overshadows weekend
Just two days before sharing his academic success, Awoniyi faced a tough day on the pitch. Coventry lost 5-0 at home to Brighton in the Premier League.
The Nigerian striker got a red card in the 53rd minute for hitting Brighton defender Maxim De Cuyper with his arm during a challenge. This was Awoniyi’s first Premier League red card and his second career sending-off.
It was his 94th appearance in the Premier League and his fourth league game for Coventry this season.
Despite the setback on the field, Awoniyi’s new qualification shows his commitment to preparing for life after football.
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