Tag: Awoniyi

  • Nottingham Forest unwilling to sell Awoniyi

    Nottingham Forest unwilling to sell Awoniyi

    Nottingham Forest are reportedly unwilling to part with  Super Eagles forward, Taiwo Awoniyi in the on-going winter transfer window despite his lack of game time at the City Ground.

    Though  the  Nigerian is  being courted by several clubs including West Ham United, Daily Mail reporter, Sami Mokbel,  said despite being unwilling to let him go, a substantial offer could potentially change Nottingham Forest’s stance, as this could provide a much-needed financial boost for the club.

    Nottingham Forest, poised for a European spot, reportedly aim to retain Awoniyi’s services until the summer despite his lack of game time, as his departure would necessitate finding a suitable replacement, complicating their ambitions.

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    On the other hand, West Ham’s urgency to sign a striker has intensified due to a double injury blow, with Michael Antonio ruled out until next season with a leg injury, and Nikolas Fullkrug facing a potentially lengthy absence with a hamstring issue.

    Awoniyi would reportedly be hoping for a move out of Nottingham Forest in search of regular playing time, having been limited to just two Premier League starts and two appearances in the EFL and FA Cup this season.

    Awoniyi’s place in the Super Eagles squad may also be under threat, particularly with the arrival of new coach Eric Chelle, who may favour in-form players like Toluwalase Arokodare, who is impressing at Genk.

    With three weeks left in the January transfer window, West Ham and other interested clubs are expected to ramp up their pursuit of Awoniyi, aiming to finalize a deal and capture the Nigerian striker’s signature.

  • Awoniyi  Foundation  rallies behind Kwara Kiddies League’

    Awoniyi  Foundation  rallies behind Kwara Kiddies League’

    Nottingham Forest and Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, is proud to announce the Taiwo Awoniyi Foundation’s support for the Kwara Kiddies League. 

    Through his foundation, Awoniyi will present sets of jerseys to all participating teams in the league.

    As a Dettol ambassador, Awoniyi has also secured support from the leading hygiene brand, which will provide essential gifts to the young athletes. 

    This partnership underscores Awoniyi’s commitment to promoting health, hygiene, and sports development among Nigeria’s youth.

    Read Also: Lookman overlooked in Serie A Best Players’ list

    The jersey presentation ceremony will take place tomorrow at the Kwara Football Academy. 

    Additionally, Awoniyi will launch the ” Wyscout Camera” initiative, aimed at showcasing the talents of Kwara Kiddies League players to a global audience.

    To further support the well-being of the young athletes, Awoniyi’s foundation will introduce a meal program, providing a nutritious meal to each player.

    It would be recalled that the striker signed a 3 year deal with the league organisers in June to help develop young aspiring footballers in Kwara to provide them the opportunity to achieve their dreams of playing professional football at the highest level.

  • Aina injured, Awoniyi subbed as Forest draw against Bournemouth

    Aina injured, Awoniyi subbed as Forest draw against Bournemouth

    Super Eagles stars Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina were involved as Nottingham Forest started their 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.

    A goal each from Chris Wood and Antoine Semenyo were the game-decider as the Tricky Trees and Cherries shared the points in the first draw of the new Premier League season.

    Nottingham Forest suffered an early blow as star midfielder Danilo had to be substituted due to a disturbing injury from an awkward collision and fall, with initial reactions suggesting that the injury might be quite serious.

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    Less than 10 minutes after the start of the second half, Nottingham Forest’s luck turned for the worse as Nigerian defender Aina was also forced off with an apparent injury.

    There was some succour for the Tricky Tees, however, as his replacement Ryan Yates made an immediate impact forcing a save from Neto, who fumbled the ball, allowing Chris Wood to open the scoring from close range.

    Their run of bad luck got worse as Semenyo found a crucial equaliser for Bournemouth in the 86th minute with a low drive to tie the game at 1-1.

  • Awoniyi parleys French Envoy over Unicorn Football Academy

    Awoniyi parleys French Envoy over Unicorn Football Academy

    Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, yesterday paid a courtesy visit to the French Ambassador to Nigeria Jean Francois Hasperue  in Abuja  with a view of exploring partnership opportunities to develop the Unicorn Football Academy in Ilorin.

    The Unicorn Football Academy, which is controlled by the elder brother of the Forest’s striker, Victor Awoniyi, is been positioned to help youngsters achieve their dreams of playing football at the highest level.

    Awoniyi, who has been making waves in the English Premier League, was warmly received by the French Envoy  even as the  duo engaged in a fruitful conversation, exchanging ideas on how to strengthen sports ties between Nigeria and France.

    Ambassador Hasperue expressed his admiration for Awoniyi’s achievements on the pitch and his role in promoting Nigerian football globally.

    Awoniyi thanked the ambassador for his support and shared his vision for the Unicorn Football Academy, which aims to nurture young talents and provide opportunities for them to succeed in the sport.

    The discussion centred on potential collaborations between French football institutions and the academy, including training programs, coaching exchanges, and infrastructure development.

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    Ambassador  Hasperue assured Awoniyi of France’s commitment to supporting sports development in Nigeria and explored possibilities for future partnerships.

    The meeting concluded with a pledge to continue the dialogue and explore ways to strengthen sports relations between the two nations.

    Awoniyi left the embassy inspired, knowing that his passion for football could make a positive impact on the lives of young Nigerians and contribute to the growth of the sport in the country.

    Meanwhile, Unicorn Football Academy is scheduled to participate in a four-club scouting programme from Tue., June 4 to Fri. June 7, in Kaduna.

  • Awoniyi  unveiled as Brand Ambassador for Dettol Cool  

    Awoniyi  unveiled as Brand Ambassador for Dettol Cool  

    Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been unveiled  as the new brand ambassador  of Dettol Cool by  Nigeria’s leading hygiene brand, Dettol-manufactured by Reckitt.This announcement was made at the official signing event held at Reckitt Sub-Saharan headquarters in Lagos recently.

    The former  Liverpool  signing  has built a reputation as one of the most impressive players in his position. His partnership with Dettol establishes him as the new face of the upgraded Dettol 5c Cool soap which provides the triple benefits of maximum freshness with a 5° cooling sensation, protection against 99.9% of disease-causing germs, and protection against body odour.

     As Dettol endeavors to keep Nigerians cool and refreshed all day long, Awoniyi has been hand-picked as the perfect embodiment of the brand’s sentiments.

    Read Also: Taiwo Awoniyi -It’s nice to break records, better to win games

    “I’m happy to be partnering with a global brand like Dettol Cool,” said Taiwo Awoniyi. “As a footballer, maintaining good hygiene is essential for my performance and overall health.  Dettol Cool’s commitment to hygiene aligns perfectly with my values, and I’m excited to work with the brand to inspire young Nigerians to stay cool, clean, confident, and reach for their goals.”

    Speaking at the signing event, Tanzim Rezwan, Marketing Director, Sub-Saharan Africa at Reckitt said “We are thrilled to welcome Taiwo Awoniyi to the Dettol family, Taiwo’s talent, dedication, and vibrant personality make him a perfect fit for Dettol Cool. We are confident that together, we can inspire Nigerians, especially youths, to embrace good hygiene practices and live healthier lives. We look forward to what we will accomplish together.” he said.

    Awoniyi’s unveiling as the brand ambassador for Dettol Cool marks the beginning of a promising partnership between the football star and Dettol Nigeria. Together, they will promote good hygiene practices and inspire Nigerians to prioritize healthy living. This move further reinforces Dettol’s commitment to building a good health and hygiene culture.

    Photo: L-R:  Reckitt ‘s Category Manager Zara Adoki; Rezwan; Awoniyi and Reckitt’s GM Akbar Ali Shah at the Dettol Coo’s ambassadorial  signing recently in Lagos.

  • Forest bank on half-fit Awoniyi  for PL survival

    Forest bank on half-fit Awoniyi  for PL survival

    The Nottingham Forest boss has said he expects Taiwo Awonyi to recover in time to help them fight against relegation from the Premier League.

    Forest are just a point outside the relegation in yet another fierce battle to stay up in the English top league.

    Awoniyi has been battling with recurrent injury, which has kept him away from the squad and also from the Super Eagles.

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    In his absence, Nottingham Forest have been counting on the goals of Chris Wood.

    Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has admitted Awoniyi is not fully fit, but still hopes the striker could return to help out.

    Nuno said in his press conference ahead of their trip to Bramall Lane to take on already relegated Sheffield United;

    “He was out all week. He started today with the group so let’s see if he has this positive feeling. I think he can help us,” he said.

    “He joined the team today, he had good feelings, we still have to wait for tomorrow to see how it goes. And if he feels okay like he felt today, I think he can help definitely with his experience, he’s a goal scorer.

    “We are aware and we know that he’s not in his top level but definitely a helpful player for us in these final moments.”

  • Injured Awoniyi out of Nigeria friendly matches

    Injured Awoniyi out of Nigeria friendly matches

    Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been ruled out of action for a few weeks after sustaining an injury just hours before Nottingham Forest’s Premier League game against Luton Town, Soccernet. ng reports.

    Awoniyi has been an important player for Nottingham Forest since he joined the club from Union Berlin last season. Big things were expected of him after his impressive performances in the Bundesliga. Unfortunately, he has failed to deliver the goods consistently.

    The 26-year-old has been haunted by injuries throughout his stay at the club, keeping him out of 27 games. This season, Awoniyi had a slow start because of injuries, but he soon picked up the pace.

    Unfortunately, he sustained an injury in November last year and had to sit out almost three months. This ensured he did not make Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

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    Nonetheless, Awoniyi returned in late January. Since his return, Awoniyi has played nine games for Nottingham Forest. He was also called up for the Super Eagles’ friendly games against Ghana and Mali later this month.

    The former Liverpool man was conspicuously missing from the Trick Trees’ Premier League 1-1 game against Luton on Saturday

    The extent of the injury is unknown, but according to the report, Awoniyi will be out for a few weeks and out of action for Nigeria’s friendly games against Ghana and Mali later this month.

  • Awoniyi’s strike nominated for Forest’s GOTM award

    Awoniyi’s strike nominated for Forest’s GOTM award

    Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Michael Awoniyi, has had his strike against David Moyes’ West Ham United nominated for the club’s February goal of the month, Soccernet.ng reports.

    Awoniyi’s lovely goal against West Ham has been nominated for the club’s goal of the month, alongside Callum Hudson-Odoi’s curler against Bournemouth, Anthony Elanga’s cool finish against Newcastle and Morgan Gibbs-White’s dink at Villa Park completed the list of nominated goals.

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    A cross cleared by the West Ham defence fell kindly to Nicolas Dominguez who in turn played a wonderful pass into the path of Awoniyi. The swift turn of the 26-year-old, left Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd in wonderland, before, he placed his left-footed finish beyond Alphonse Areola.

  • Awoniyi rules out of AFCON after groin surgery

    Awoniyi rules out of AFCON after groin surgery

    Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been ruled out of AFCON 2023 as the striker will be sidelined for “months,” manager Steve Cooper said yesterday, because of a groin injury that caused him to withdraw from Nigeria’s squad during the international break.

    Awoniyi, who has scored four goals in 11 appearances this season as Forest’s first-choice striker, has been managing the problem since October.

    He played for Nigeria in its disappointing 1-1 draw with Lesotho in World Cup qualifying last week but then pulled out of the squad and has since had an operation, which is set to rule him out of the African Cup of Nations starting in mid-January.

    Read Also: Awoniyi in doubt ahead of Eagles World Cup qualifiers

    “He is going to be out for months,” Cooper said of Awoniyi ahead of Forest’s Premier League match against Brighton on Saturday.

    “We´ll support him and try to get him back as quick and as fit as he can be, but it’s a really unfortunate situation and a blow for him. He´s become an important player for us with the goals he scored and the goals he will score for us,” Cooper said.

  • Awoniyi in doubt ahead of Eagles World Cup qualifiers

    Awoniyi in doubt ahead of Eagles World Cup qualifiers

    Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi could miss Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe later in November because of a niggling injury, Soccernet reports.

    Awoniyi missed the Super Eagles’ last two friendly games because of an injury. He spent three weeks on the sidelines before returning to action last week against Liverpool.

    However, the 26-year-old striker is yet to reach full fitness. Ahead of Nottingham Forest’s games against Aston Villa, Steve Cooper is not confident that Awoniyi will start as the Nigerian’s situation is a ‘complex’ one.

    He is also unsure of the Nigerian’s availability during the international break.

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    “The question of international duty [for Awoniyi] is a conversation for next week,” Cooper said per Nottingham Post.

    “At the moment we are just focusing on what we might be able to get out of him this weekend ([against Aston Villa].”

    With his current situation, it is unlikely that Awoniyi will make the squad. The former Union Berlin man would look to return to full fitness before coach Jose Peseiro releases his squad. Napoli star Victor Osimhen is also a doubt for the game. However, Terem Moffi and Victor Boniface could provide adequate cover.