Tag: Awoniyi

Despite playing for just 20minutes in Nottingham Forest’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool at the weekend, Taiwo Awoniyi may return to the starting line-up for coach Steve Cooper when they host Aston Villa next week.

Cooper had to tread carefully with Awoniyi after the striker made his comeback from injury in Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Liverpool.

Awoniyi had missed the Reds’ previous two games with a groin problem sustained in the 1-1 draw with Brentford earlier this month.

He made his return when he came off the bench for the final 20 minutes at Anfield, in what will be a welcome boost for Cooper.

Awoniyi’s return could not be better timed, but Cooper will be extra cautious with the Nigerian this week ahead of Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa.

“It’s great he’s got on,” the Reds boss said. “And it’s even more important he’s come off unscathed. He will be good for the minutes.

Read Also: Liverpool ‘mess up’ Awoniyi returns from injury

“Now we’ve got a full training week. Hopefully he’s available to do all of that, and if he is he will be in a better place in terms of availability for next Sunday against Aston Villa.

“We will take one day as it comes with it. He had an awkward injury again and we have to be careful with him – probably even more careful now because of the situation with Chris.

“He was cleared to play the minutes he did. We probably put him on slightly earlier than we should have, but we got through it and he has said he feels fine. Hopefully we can build on that this week.”

• Iwobi, Bassey sparkle  for Fulham

Super Eagles attacker Taiwo Awoniyi made his long awaited return for Nottingham Forest but he and his Super Eagles teammate, Ola Aina could not hold their own as they were battered 3-0 by rampaging Liverpool FC at the Anfield.

Awoniyi has been out of action since October 1st  due to a groin complaint and was expected to return to action by November 6th  but he made a quick comeback and was introduced in the 69th  minute as Willy Bolly’s replacement. It was his eighth league game of the season and the second time he would enter as a substitute this season.

His  presence could not stop the Reds pounding who would now return back to the City Ground to prepare for their next game.

Read Also: El Clasico: Late Bellingham winner helps Real Madrid beat Barca

Aina started his sixth league game of the season in the same game.

Meanwhile,  Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey played the game of their lives for Fulham who bagged a precious point at the Amex against Brighton yesterday.

The Seagulls dominated the first half and seemed to be in cruise control after leading 1-0 at halftime but the Cottagers returned from the halftime break reborn and got the much needed equaliser.

Iwobi who joined Fulham from Everton at the end of the summer transfer was very impressive in the game before he was Substituted in the 91st minute while Bassey saw out the entire 90 minutes in another vintage performance from the Super Eagles defender.

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi looks to be on track to return to action after being spotted back on the grass.

The Nigerian missed the trip to Crystal Palace with a new injury and has been ruled out for a month.

The 26-year-old is integral to the way in which Steve Cooper wants his team to play. Awoniyi scored in all three of the first three games of the 2023/24 campaign and was on for the Premier League record of scoring in consecutive games at one stage.

His injury comes at a time when Forest are striving to get a settled side assembled.

As a result, the Reds will hope that the fact he’s been spotted back on the grass is good news regarding his injury.

It would seem as though the player is not quite back in full contact training just yet but this is definitely a good sign.

Read Also: Nottingham’s Wood accepts Awoniyi superiority

Awoniyi is a vital part of the Forest team and Cooper will want him back as soon as possible.

During a recent video posted behind the scenes of a training session by the club, Awoniyi can clearly be seen doing some running next to the action which is a positive step in the right direction and hopefully, he can get back on the ball soon.

Chris Wood and Divock Origi are two players who were signed to provide backup to Awoniyi. The Nigerian will be the number one striker at the club but there are options available to Cooper now.

Awoniyi is clearly making good progress with his latest injury setback.

Hopefully, the striker can be back on the pitch in the Garibaldi and tormenting defenders once again in the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood has vowed to “keep working hard” to try to force his way into Nottingham Forest’s starting XI.

The 31-year-old striker has only started once for the Reds in the Premier League so far this season – in their last match against Crystal Palace, replacing the injured Taiwo Awoniyi.

He has also made seven sub appearances and scored the winning goal against Sheffield United at the City Ground in August.

Wood admitted that he wants more minutes on the pitch, following his transfer from Newcastle United.

But he has also made it clear that he respects manager Steve Cooper’s decisions and that Awoniyi has deserved his place in the team.

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“From a personal perspective, I’d love to be getting more minutes but I’ll just keep working hard to get myself back in that team,” he said.

“T (Awoniyi) has had the shirt recently and deservedly so because he’s playing really well, so I’ll keep trying to push him hard in training and help him raise his level even higher.

“I’d like to think he feels the same as me. There’s no bad feeling about who starts and who comes on — we all respect the manager’s decision and want to see each other do well. We also have Divock (Origi) hoping to get minutes too and other players who can play up front,” he added.

“Between us we all want to be playing but we know we have to be patient for opportunities sometimes.”

Steve Cooper has confirmed that striker Taiwo Awoniyi could miss up to a month after picking up a groin strain against Brentford last week.

The 26-year-old was replaced by Chris Wood in the 81st minute, with no indication of any injury.

However, he was left out of the matchday squad against Crystal Palace last night, with boss Cooper admitting that he picked up the issue during the 1-1 draw last weekend.

Awoniyi received a call-up to the Nigerian national side this week alongside fellow Red Ola Aina, however, his setback will undoubtedly see him withdraw from their games during the break.

Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham after the stalemate, Cooper confirmed the injury but has faith in the striker to come back even stronger.

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“He pulled his groin [against Brentford]. It’s really unfortunate for him because he’s started the season really well.

“What I would say is he had a serious injury last season that kept him out for three months and the way he committed to that allowed him to come back better.

“When he picked the injury up against Southampton, he was in good form – which shows with the right attitude and recovery he will do the exact same again.”

The injury to Awoniyi allows for the likes of Wood and Divock Origi to gain valuable first-team minutes – proving a point to Cooper as to why they deserve a starting spot.

Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, is set to spend up to a month on the sidelines due to a groin injury, after an official statement from the club was released, Soccernet.ng reports.

Awoniyi enjoyed a blistering start to the season with Nottingham Forest, scoring goals in his first three games, including against the big boys, like Manchester United and Arsenal.

Read Also: West Ham lament losing Awoniyi’s signature to Nottingham

The 26-year-old was also nominated for the Player of the Month award in August after his performances caught the eyes of everyone. A few eyebrows were raised, however, when the striker wasn’t included in Steve Cooper’s squad list to travel to Selhurst Park.

The manager explained just before the game that the Super Eagles forward suffered a groin injury and could be out for about a month. With the International break knocking, it could turn out to be good news for the Reds, as Awoniyi will miss only about three games.

This means the forward will not be a part of Jose Peseiro’s team to face Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in the coming weeks during the International break.

With his return date set to four weeks time, Awoniyi will miss Nottingham’s home games against Luton Town and Aston Villa. He will also miss the trip to Anfield to face his former side, Liverpool.

He joins fellow Super Eagles star, Ola Aina on the injury list for Steve Cooper, alongside Danilo, Felipe, Nuno Tavares, and Wayne Hennessey.

West Ham United had an absolute shocker by deciding not to sign Taiwo Awoniyi as long-term Michail Antonio replacement.

Nottingham Forest won the race for the signing of Taiwo Awoniyi in the summer of 2022 after West Ham opted against bringing him to the London Stadium.

However, Hammers boss David Moyes opted against bringing the Nigeria international to East London.

Read Also: Awoniyi scares Brentford’s boss ahead of EPL clash

The Scot brought Gianluca Scamacca to the London Stadium instead. He ended up being a massive failure, and was totally ill-suited to our system.

The Nigerian has been truly sensational for Forest since moving to the City Ground from Union Berlin last summer.

Awoniyi has 14 goals and three assists to his name in 38 games in all competitions for the Reds.

It’s not just his goal output that has been impressive though – it’s the way that he occupies opposing defenders that has really caught the eye.

He would have been the perfect upgrade and long-term replacement for Antonio, what with his strength, unselfish running and 100 percent commitment.

Signing Awoniyi for just under £17m in 2022 would surely have been an absolute no-brainer.

Brentford’s boss, Thomas Frank, has praised in-form Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, ahead of his side’s game against the Reds.

The 26-year-old was amongst the nominees for The Premier League Player of the Month, for the month of August, and so far this season, he has scored three goals and set up two for his teammates in six starts.

The exploits of the Super Eagles haven’t gone unnoticed, with even coaches of the opposition applauding his output at Forest. Brentford’s Thomas Frank is the latest to give credit to the big Nigerian.

The Danish boss mentioned the threat that Forest’s attack pose, recognizing their strength in depth in all positions, and mentioned the Bees would have to be at their best to not lose to Steve Cooper’s men.

Read Also: Will Osimhen quit Napoli for  Al-Hilal amid  TikTok row?

“Awoniyi is a very good striker and Gibbs-White is a very good number 10. We all know Hudson-Odoi’s talent and Elanga is a very good winger. That front four is very good. They will try to control the game but we also know that the four of them are very good on the break,” the manager told the club’s official website.

Albeit a daunting task, the 49-year-old manager insisted that should his team play their cards right, a win wouldn’t be far fetched.

“The game we will play on Sunday will be incredibly even and difficult. It will be the small things that decide it. It will be a difficult task but we trust ourselves and we believe that we can go there and win,” He added.

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has committed his life to the service of humanity, and he noted that philanthropy has become a second nature to him, in a conversation with MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN.

While many view the altruistic art of giving mentally and financially draining, Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, said he has committed his life to the service of humanity; he added that helping others has become second nature to him.

On an annual basis, Awoniyi doles out millions of naira to the less privileged across the nooks and crannies of the country and he reckons that God will allow him to continue to do more for humanity.

In August for instance, Awoniyi visited his alma maters – Adetunji Nursery and Primary School and Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) in Ilorin, capital of Kwara State, where he is committed to some building projects and gifted the staff and management of the school his usual helping hands

He was also at the Ilorin General Hospital to make cash donations to the needy and was further encouraged by the hospital’s Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Bola Abdulkadir, to make donations to a foundation in the hospital where funds can be accessed by the needy.

“I just try to see what I can do to help others, especially those in need,” Awoniyi, in his usual philosophical hue, told NationSport in an exclusive interview. “I just know we all are different in terms of stages in life, and, sometimes, the little things we do might go a long way.

“I don’t really know what the future holds, but of course, hopefully, there might be more things for us to do, because this is what we can do to bring smiles on the faces of several people.”

This season, Awoniyi’s great form is bringing smiles to the faces of many Nigerians, as well as fans of his English Premier League side, Nottingham Forest.

Read Also: Awoniyi’s boss unfazed ahead of Nottingham’s clash with Manchester City

This month, Awoniyi won his club’s the Player of the Month (POTM) and Goal of the Month (GOTM) awards for the month of August and narrowly missed being named the EPL Player of the month after scoring an impressive three goals in four matches in the month under review.

“The Nigerian has picked up from where he left off after an excellent end to last season, scoring three goals and producing an assist in four Premier League games so far this term,” the club noted while announcing Awoniyi’s choice for both the POTM and GOTM.

“In August, the striker scored three goals in three matches, becoming only the third African player to score in seven consecutive Premier League matches.

“Awoniyi’s nine goals in seven consecutive Premier League outings saw him become the first Forest player ever to do so, subsequently leading to an August Premier League Player of the Month nomination.”

Indeed, Awoniyi has been one of Nottingham Forest’s top performers this season, but he reckons that being named the POTM and GOTM can only spur him to do more for the Reds.

“I feel very glad and happy about the awards knowing fully well that it is something we’ve always hoped for,” the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner further said. “As a player, getting the praises makes you believe you are doing well.

“But it’s a challenge because you have to do more also, and I’ve always said that getting the club to win more matches is my utmost desire.”

With the Super Eagles, Awoniyi also contributed a goal this month in Nigeria’s last 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Sao Tome & Principe, as the coach Jose Peseiro-led side heads to Cote d’Ivoire for the continental showpiece in January.

Nigeria is yet to add to its three African titles expressly won in 1980, 1994 and 2013 and the Super Eagles faltered to deceive at the last tournament in Cameroon with an impressive preliminary rounds that saw them thrashing Egypt complete with Liverpool’s star, Mohammed Salah, as well as Sudan and Guinea-Bissau; only to lose to Tunisia in the round of 16.

But Awoniyi remains upbeat about the team’s chances in Côte d’Ivoire, adding that everyone in the Super Eagles understands the expectations of fans at the next AFCON.

“I believe that’s something (winning the AFCON) that we also are asking ourselves,” he said. “But looking at the players and the level we are all at currently, I think this is just a matter of time and soon by the grace of God (we shall win the AFCON).”

Awoniyi is one of the true Nigerian football stories having gone through almost all stages to the national team levels where he played in the U-13; U-15, U-17, U-20 and U-23 teams before eventually making his Super Eagles debut against Central African Republic in October 2021.

This October, marks the 10th anniversary when Awoniyi starred, as the Golden Eaglets led by coach Manu Garba won Nigeria’s fourth FIFA U17 World Cup title with aplomb in the United Arab Emirates.

At that tournament, Awoniyi came from the bench after Success Isaac was injured in that unforgettable 3-3 draw against Sweden at the Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium in Al Ain, to make his own mark as he scored an impressive four goals in total.

Two years later and still under coach Garba, Awoniyi was also one of the stars as the Flying Eagles won the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal.

“Apart from winning titles, it had always been my dream of making my country proud and it’s a remarkable joy to have won those titles as a junior international,” he said. “Of course, we can’t forget all the pieces of advice we got from all the officials telling us that winning will change a lot of things in us all. I’m forever grateful.”

Of course, Awoniyi’s second name can be said to be ‘Gratitude’, and he admitted being married to his wife has been pleasant and joyful.

Five years ago, Awoniyi walked down the aisle and tied the nuptial knot with his then fiancée, Taiwo Jesudun, after an engagement and traditional wedding the previous day in Kabba, Kogi State.

On his 26th anniversary on August 12th , the Awoniyis welcomed their second child much to the delight of the Super Eagles star, who earned his first goal of the season in a 2-1 loss to Arsenal

“I’m very lucky, happy and grateful to the most high because our God is just too merciful beyond all our flaws and he still shows up always for us,” he said.

Pressed for his goal-scoring secrets in the on-going campaign as well as his short and long plans, Awoniyi blurted out with the oft saying that ‘those who leave everything in the hands of God will succeed.’

“I always keep that (secret of scoring) to myself, to be honest. But one thing about me is that I just want to be better than I was before,” said the once Liverpool loanee to several European clubs including FSV Frankfurt (Germany); NEC Nijmegen (Holland); Royal Excel Mouscron (Belgium) and Union Berlin (Germany). “Of course, there are always ups and downs in life, but one thing about me is that I just find peace within me even in the midst of chaos.

“I think that’s due to my personal faith in God and how much I see the world as a whole.

“Surely, there are many plans for the future and, in life, I tend to see things from different perspectives and hope for the best always,” he added.

Yet Awoniyi is not befuddled about who the next African Footballer of the Year should be, saying, however, that his compatriot, Victor Osimhen, a Ballon d’Or nominee for 2023, has done more than any African player to be so decorated in the year under review.

Last season, Osimhen led Napoli to the Serie A title for the first time in 31 years and scored a remarkable 10 goals in the 2023 AFCON qualifying tournament as the Super Eagles sealed their place at the forthcoming tournament in Cote D’Ivoire.

“There should be no debate (about who should win the next African Footballer of the Year),” Awoniyi told NationSport. “Of course, it has to be Victor Osimhen because he did what no other African or European player has done with his performance last season with Napoli.

“He (Osimhen) deserves top awards and the world should commend him because getting to those stages takes a lot and he’s still going beyond people’s expectations, I believe,” he said.

Nottingham Forest coach, Steve Cooper, says his side must find the right balance in respecting Manchester City’s strengths and believing in themselves ahead of today’s trip to the Etihad Stadium, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Reds have had more time to prepare for the clash with the Premier League Champions, as City were involved in the UEFA Champions League this week, while Nottingham last played on Monday in a one-all draw with Burnley.

In the reverse fixture last season, City defeated Nottingham, but with Nottingham’s talismanic forward, Taiwo Awoniyi, involved in at least a goal in his last ten games, the forty-three-year-old’s side look to mount a challenge this weekend.

Speaking ahead of the game, the Welshman acknowledges the strength of Pep Guardiola’s troops, but reveals that his team will be at their best in Manchester.

Read Also: Osimhen deserves football top awards, says Awoniyi

“You have to go there with ambition, you have to go there with confidence and a mentality to be at your best. There has to be a balance. You have to respect how good they are, but you also have to continue to believe in yourself,” Cooper told the club’s official website.

The Pontypridd-born manager recognized how tough playing against the League Champions can be, as they’re currently top of the league, and remain unbeaten.

“All I’m doing is recognising the level of Manchester City and what they’ve achieved, the trophies they won last season and the status of Pep Guardiola who is certainly an inspiration to me, but I also go there believing in my team.”

Manchester City boss, Josep Guardiola also commented ahead of the game during his side’s mid-week outing. He said:

”Next, we face Nottingham Forest, two-time Champions League winners. They have one more than us, so it’ll be a tough fixture.”

Nottingham Forest will be without Danilo and Serge Aurier, as they’re out injured, meanwhile, Willy Boly is on course with his recovery and could be in line to face the Citizens.