Tag: Awoniyi

Nuno Espirito Santo says his relationship with Nottingham Forest co-owner Evangelos Marinakis is “not the same” and admits “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” in response to reports his position at the club is under threat.

Nuno, who was handed a new contract in June after guiding Forest into Europe last term, was seemingly accepting that his time at the club could be over after saying his connection with Marinakis has changed.

“We know each other very well, and we have all been in the industry for a while now,” he said ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League game at Crystal Palace.

Read Also: Edu team-up  with Aina, Awoniyi at Forest

“And where there’s smoke, there’s fire, so I know how things work, but I’m here to do my job. I understand, because I’m worried. I’m the first one to be worried. I’m the first one to be concerned.”

When questioned about the rift in his relationship with Marinakis, Nuno went on to add: “I always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season was very close. This season, not so well. No, it’s not [good].

Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi has expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, friends, teammates and Nottingham Forest in his first public statement waking from a medically induced coma.

Awoniyi underwent emergency abdominal surgery on Monday after sustaining an injury during Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City at the City Ground last Sunday.

Although the injury was not life-threatening, it required urgent surgical intervention. Following the procedure, he was placed in a medically induced coma and closely monitored in the intensive care unit.

The Super Eagle was brought out of the coma on Thursday and has since been undergoing recovery process.

In his first statement following the ordeal, Awoniyi thanked everyone who supported him through the challenging period.

“This season has been one of the most difficult of my career, but through it all, I have felt the love. By the grace of God, I am grateful to still be here, to still be fighting, to still be smiling, and to be in good spirits,” Awoniyi said.

“To my teammates, coaches, staff, and the entire Forest family — thank you for your well wishes. Seeing you all during your visit to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say.”

With just a game remaining in the season, Nottingham Forest is still chasing a Champions League spot and they brightened that with a 2-1 away win at West Ham United.

Read Also: Taiwo Awoniyi releases first statement after surgery, appreciates fans

Although Awoniyi will no longer be part of the push due to his injury, he urged his teammates to stay focused and keep believing.

“Wishing the boys the very best in these last two games. Keep believing and keep pushing. I’m with you all the way, and I can’t wait to be back out there doing what I love.”

He also extended his appreciation to fans and supporters across the globe, especially those back home in Nigeria.

“To my family, friends, and football fans — thank you for the support. To everyone in Nigeria who has checked in on me, prayed for me, and shared kind words — thank you. I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover.”

Awoniyi’s season has come to a difficult end. The striker has struggled with form and fitness, managing just one goal in 25 Premier League appearances this campaign.

• By Kareem Yusuf

Nigerian professional striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who plays for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League, has spoken out about the limited playing time he has received both at his club and with the national team.

In a recent interview, Awoniyi explained that football is highly competitive and timing plays a crucial role in every player’s journey.

“I believe I can compete with others and in some situations, I feel I’ve done enough to deserve more time on the pitch. But that’s football – it’s all about competition. When it’s your moment, it’s yours. I believe that when my moment comes, many will see me playing regularly,” he said.

He emphasized that he doesn’t view his teammates as opponents trying to knock him out of the line-up, nor does he see himself trying to push them aside.

 “It’s about momentum. If it’s your time, it’s your time. That’s how I see football, although fans often have a different perspective. For those of us who play, we understand that it’s more than just what happens on the field.”

On his role in the national team, Awoniyi acknowledged that selections are beyond the control of the players.

 “At the national level, it’s never your decision to make. You can’t say, ‘I want to be in the starting eleven,’ or ‘I want to play the next game.’ The best you can do is continue developing yourself and be ready for the opportunity when it comes,” he added.

Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 at Wembley to reach their third straight FA Cup final, with goals from Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol keeping alive City’s hopes of avoiding a rare season without a trophy.

Lewis scored inside two minutes when he was fed by the influential Mateo Kovacic and given time and space to fire into the bottom corner and silence the Forest fans.

Conceding an early goal was certainly not in the game plan for Forest, who struggled to gain a foothold in the first half, registering just 25% possession and no shots on goal.

The halftime introduction of Anthony Elanga almost turned the tie for Forest, but he scuffed Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross wide with his first touch in the 46th minute.

Read Also: Ola Aina in line tore turn for FA Cup semis

City punished the miss five minutes later when Gvardiol rose highest to nod home an Omar Marmoush corner for his sixth goal of the campaign.

Forest, seeking to reach their first FA Cup final since 1991, went close to pulling one back with Morgan Gibbs-White cannoning a volley off the bar with City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega beaten.

Gibbs-White hit the post again with 20 minutes to play after Gvardiol was caught in possession, rounding Ortega but unable to finish from a tight angle.

Substitute Taiwo Awoniyi also hit the woodwork before Gibbs-White’s follow-up header was saved by Ortega, as Forest fans began to feel it was just not their day.

City then comfortably closed the game out and victory in their record-extending seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final means they will face Crystal Palace, who beat Aston Villa 3-0 on Saturday, in the final on May 17.

Taiwo Awoniyi is touch-and-go for Nottingham Forest after he suffered a hamstring injury, according to the club boss.

Awoniyi came off in the 86^th  minute in the clash against Manchester United.

Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo said the striker is now being assessed “day-to-day” and may miss the home game against Everton as they try to consolidate on third position.

Read Also: Taiwo Awoniyi returns against Newcastle

 “We are going to have to assess day by day, him and Chris (Wood), to see if they can help us in the next one,” the manager said. “Let’s see about the results of the scan on ‘T’ (Awoniyi), then we’ll have a better opinion.

“It’s going to be assessing day by day,” he said.

Premier League club Nottingham Forest have provided the latest update on the head injury that striker Taiwo Awoniyi suffered in an FA Cup tie.

Awoniyi was left out of Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Fulham due to concussion protocols.

Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has now disclosed that the Super Eagles could return to action next Sunday at Newcastle United.

“We didn’t have the clearance from the Premier League about the concussion protocols so he was not able to go in the squad,” Nuno said.

 “I hope he will be ok for the next one.

 “He’s feeling fine, it is about making sure we follow the protocols.

“He was ok but we have to respect the protocols.”

The protocols mean Awoniyi cannot play for at least 12 days after his accident.

In a related development, Santo  has  equally confirmed  that  Awoniyi has been undergoing fittings  for a face mask  just  days after  NationSports’ exclusive revelation to that effect.

Read Also: ‘Aina free to leave in summer window’

On Friday, our correspondent scooped from a close confidant that the  Nigeria International striker would start wearing a face mask  after  sustaining a fractured  nose  in a collision with Exeter City keeper Joe Whitworth in the FA Cup fourth round tie in Devon

“ We  thank God, Taiwo is fine  after the scary injury   and he’s fine,” a usually  reliable source close to the player told NationSport.

“ You know , he’s a strong-minded person and with God on his side, there is  little to worry about.“ He should be able to play at least with a face mask once he return to action.”

Speaking with via Nottingham post, Santo  confirmed that Awoniyi would most likely be on a face mask  when he returned from injury.’