Tag: Taiwo Awoniyi

Nigeria attacker Taiwo Awoniyi has expressed his desire to remain in the English  Premier League beyond this season despite overtures from foreign clubs.

Since joining Nottingham Forest, Awoniyi has been a key performer for the club but injuries have slowed him down this season.

In an interview with Humble Foot, the forward made his intentions clear stating that he has resolved to remain in the premier League beyond this season.

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“For me, it’s always the Premier League,” Awoniyi stated. “My family knows it, my agent knows it — everyone knows the Premier League is my focus. I know when the time comes to say ‘thank you, Premier League’, but for now, I still have two more years at Nottingham Forest. Thank God for that.

“Maybe after those two years, if there are no options and no other clubs come calling, then I’ll consider packing my bags. But for now, I’m here and committed for the next two years.”

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo refused to give a clear update on his  injured wards including  Nigerian duo of striker Taiwo Awoniyi  ahead of tomorrow’s game against  Everton  as  the Reds continue a  chase for a Champions League slot  for next season.

Nuno has been  sweating on the fitness of several players ahead of the Everton clash. He has been without leading scorer Chris Wood since he returned injured from New Zealand duty, with fellow striker Awoniyi, Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga also dealing with fitness issues. But Nuno was coy on the likely  availability of any of these players against the visiting side. 

 “We are still assessing all of them as they were struggling with some problems: some small, some not so small,” Nuno said. “It depends on how they recover and how they feel.”

Meanwhile, Nuno is upbeat on  Forest’s bid  in the English Premier League  and insisted  that the cushion of an extra Champions League place for English clubs will not change his approach as they chase a top five finish.

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Midweek results mean finishing fifth in the Premier League will now guarantee a place in next season’s Champions League, as opposed to the usual top four spots going into Europe’s elite club competition.

Third-placed Forest hold a five-point lead over sixth-placed Manchester City ahead of tomorrow’s home game against Everton. A first Champions League appearance since 1980-81 is within Forest’s grasp, but Nuno is adamant he won’t take anything for granted.

“It’s in our hands. It opens one more space, so more contenders, but in terms of us it doesn’t change anything,” he told reporters. “Our approach will be the same, it is day by day, preparing the players and preparing for the game and I think we have a great opportunity to achieve something great.

“There are different pressures. Last season it was in our hands to decide our own fate and we achieved it but we were fighting for survival.

“Now we are fighting for something magical, we have motivation and ambition. But pressure is about performing and competing well,” he noted.

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi sponsored the provision of hot meals for Muslims in Nottingham, joining those observing Ramadan in breaking their fast, celebrating the spirit of unity and generosity.

In a bid to spread love to the community, Taiwo Awoniyi partnered with Himmah — a social justice organization dedicated to addressing pressing issues in Nottingham including poverty, racism and educational disparities — as one of its sponsors.

According to Awoniyi, the initiative  was  aimed at giving back to the community and assisting others: “I’m just trying to show love to the community, trying to spread love, to show this month that is so important to my Muslim brothers and also lent month to the Christians. It’s a way of giving back to the community and bringing everyone together in love.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s your time, if it’s your resources, it’s just a way that everyone can be powerful to each other, and growing up that has been my goal. It has always been in me to try and assist in my own little way. Also, I try to develop the next generation of kids as well and it’s something that I hold dearly to me and which is very important to me,” the 27-year-old added.

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According to one of the organizers, Taiwo Awoniyi’s sponsorship came at the right time, helping them achieve their targets: “Himmah is a social organization, social justice charity, specializing in three things, in tackling poverty, tackling racism and tackling educational inequalities solely in the city of Nottingham.”

 “This is one of the only nights of the week that we struggle to get a sponsor for our hot meal provisions, so when Taiwo came forward and said I want to provide food for a community Iftar, we felt it has to be on Wednesday, it has to be during that gap that we are missing, it has to be during that time where so many walking our streets and Hyson Green and Radford and NG7 are going hungry,” he revealed.

With Chris Wood ruled out of Nottingham Forest’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Brighton, Taiwo Awoniyi may have another crucial impact to make — this time on the pitch.

The Nigerian striker started in Forest’s round 5 win over Ipswich and he will be hoping to fill the shoes of the injured New Zealand forward as Nuno Espirito’s side continue their quest to claim the FA Cup for the first time since 1959.

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi is available for selection ahead of their Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Sunday. 

However, the Nigerian forward will have to wear a protective mask as he continues his recovery from injury.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Espirito Santo provided an update on Awoniyi’s condition following his recent absence due to a head injury.

“Yes, yes, it is clear on the concussion protocol,” the Forest boss stated, according to the BBC. “So, he is available. He will have to wear a mask, but he is available.”

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Awoniyi suffered a facial injury after a collision in an FA Cup match against Exeter City, which led to him being substituted and undergoing medical assessment.

The striker has since made progress in his recovery, but the club’s medical staff have recommended that he wear a protective mask while playing.

When asked about how Awoniyi is adjusting to the mask, Espirito Santo admitted that the forward is still getting used to it. “He is trying to get used to it,” he said.

The return of Awoniyi will be a significant boost for Nottingham Forest as they prepare to face Newcastle.

Nottingham Forest is third, pushing for a top-four finish, and will be eager to maintain their momentum in the league.

Awoniyi’s return will provide Nuno Espirito Santo with additional attacking options as Forest aim to get a result against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side.

On the overall squad fitness, the Forest boss did not report any fresh injury concerns, stating simply: “No. Assessing players, the normal.”

Nigeria International striker Taiwo Awoniyi  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 on Tuesday.

Awoniyi was stretchered off and the game was delayed significantly as he received treatment. There had been fears the Nigerian international could have sustained a serious neck injury, and he was applauded off by both fans when he was carried off the field.

After the game, though, Nuno confirmed the injury – while still painful – was not as severe as some first feared. “It was a concussion and a broken nose,” the Portuguese said. “He was in a lot of pain. But he has a smile on his face because he scored for us and did an amazing job. We are delighted for him (to get his goal).”

Sources close to the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner told NationSports yesterday that he has shaken off  the injury, adding  that there is a strong possibility that he would  wear a face mask once he’s ready to play.

“ We  thank God, Taiwo is fine  after the scary injury   and he’s fine,” a  decent 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.”

It would be an interesting  scenario should Awoniyi settled  for a face mask  as did his Super Eagles teammate, Victor Osimhen who started wearing a face mask after sustaining a fractured eye socket injury in a Serie A match for Napoli  against Inter Milan in November 2021.

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Napoli’s chief doctor, Roberto Ruggiero, stated  the striker’s decision to continue to wear the mask was not out of place , insisting it was a personal choice.

“Osimhen is perfectly healed, he’s still wearing the protective mask because it gives him a sense of security, but he’s healed,” he  explained to Italian outlet Radio Marte (via Tutto Napoli) in 2022. “He has his own balance, and wants to wear it. Hopefully this mask will be enough until he feels safe and takes it off.”

Osimhen  later said  that he would be wearing a face  mask for the rest of his career for obvious reasons.

“I actually have screws that pass through my jaw inside my mouth,” he told Lagos-based Sports Radio Station, Brila FM in 2024.“The last match I played — against Cagliari — when I headed the ball, I had blood on my face, and the goalkeeper also hit my face, and there was blood that was even with the mask on.

“So it is really dangerous for me to play without using the mask, of course.”

Nigeria’s striker suffered concussion,  broke nose

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi suffered a concussion and a broken nose in a collision with Exeter City keeper Joe Whitworth, Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed.

Awoniyi was stretchered off during the FA Cup fourth round tie in Devon, and the game was delayed significantly as he received treatment. There had been fears the Nigerian international could have sustained a serious neck injury, and he was applauded off by both fans when he was carried off the field.

After the game, though, Nuno confirmed the injury – while still painful – was not as severe as some first feared. “It was a concussion and a broken nose,” the Portuguese said.

“He was in a lot of pain. But he has a smile on his face because he scored for us and did an amazing job. We are delighted for him (to get his goal).”

Awoniyi had been handed a rare start by Nuno as a much-changed side headed south for the cup tie. League One side Exeter took an early lead through Josh Magennis – the top scorer in this season’s FA Cup – only for Ramon Sosa to equalise before Awoniyi gave the Premier League outfit a half-time lead.

Forest couldn’t find a third, though, and a Willy Boly own goal levelled things up. Ed Turns was sent off late on, but the hosts still survived extra-time with 10 men to force a penalty shoot-out.

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It was there, however, that the visitors won out. Senior stars including Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White were brought off the bench during regulation time, and both were among the scorers in a 4-2 shoot-out victory.

Forest will now play Ipswich Town in one of several all-Premier League ties in the round of 16. Kieran McKenna’s side got to this stage by beating Championship outfit Coventry City 4-1 on Saturday, with Jack Clarke bagging a brace.

“We knew before the game it would be difficult,” said Forest keeper Matz Sels, who came on for the injured Carlos Miguel and made a big save in the shoot-out. “We didn’t start the game well so I think after we came back well, we finished the game. It was just about ourselves and we made it difficult.

“You always need to be ready. I was ready and was helping the team in the right moments. It is a positive to go to the next round.

“Step by step. We have some important games in the league and then full focus on the cup. We try to continue as long as possible and we will see how far we can go.”

Nottingham Forest head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, has shunned exit talks concerning Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, backing him to score more goals, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old forward has struggled for minutes with Forest in the English Premier League season. With the Reds flying high in the league, it is without a doubt that the man who used to score goals for them will somewhat feel left out.

With Chris Wood at the peak of his career, Awoniyi has had to play second fiddle at the City Ground. Despite his lack of playing time, the former Union Berlin has suitors, most notably Graham Potter’s West Ham United.

Addressing the news about Awoniyi’s potential January move away from Nottingham Forest, Nuno Espirito Santo shunned talks of a possible transfer. Instead, the former Tottenham Hotspur manager praised the Nigerian.

“Taiwo came on late in the game (against Liverpool), having played very well in the previous game against Luton. We hope that he progresses with his fitness level because we know the talent and the quality he has. He is a goalscorer. He always has an impact, he always has chances. That is what you can say about Taiwo. Is there something I do not know? Are there rumours?,” the Portuguese gaffer said in quotes revealed by Nottingham Post.

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Espirito Santo also revealed the desire and commitment of the former Union Berlin man and backed him to return to goalscoring form.

“He can absolutely get back [to that previous level]. Yes, absolutely, because he shows it every day. He works very hard and we cannot forget the importance of Taiwo to Forest and the history of what he has done for the club. I was fortunate enough to see many of the games that Taiwo was involved in and his performance level was very high. I am absolutely confident that he will get back to that.”

“It is fitness, it is confidence and it is another factor – which is minutes on the pitch, because Chris [Wood] is doing very well. Taiwo recognises that and is humble enough to know that he has to wait for his moment.”

Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood has praised teammate and Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi for his resilience, following the Nigerian’s first goal of the season in their 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.

Awoniyi, who entered the game as an 88th-minute substitute for Wood, capitalized on a pass from James Ward-Prowse, tapping the ball into an empty net in the 94th minute to break his scoring drought.

Awoniyi last found the back of the net for Forest in their 2-0 win over West Ham united on February 17th , 2024.

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Prior to this campaign, Awoniyi had been a key goal-scorer for Forest. However, this season has seen him relegated to the bench, often receiving limited playing time, hindering his impact.

The Nigerian international expressed relief after finally finding the back of the net, a moment celebrated enthusiastically by his teammates. In his post-match interview, Wood praised Awoniyi’s unwavering work ethic, emphasizing that the goal was a well-deserved reward for his consistent effort.

 “He’s a big part of us. A fantastic player, that’s what he wants and he deserves it for all the work he puts in on and off the pitch,” Wood who has been in great form said after the game.

The goal takes Awoniyi’s tally for the club to 18 in 69 games across all competitions. 

In line with his commitment to giving back to his community, Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, has presented jerseys to all 14 teams participating in the Kwara Kiddies League through his foundation, Taiwo Awoniyi Foundation.

On Saturday, at the Kwara Football Academy, Awoniyi’s parents, Mr. Solomon and Mrs. Mary Awoniyi and his grassroots coach, Rasaq Olojo, presented the jerseys to the teams on behalf of the foundation.

This gesture was aimed at promoting football development, encouraging teamwork, and providing support to young athletes in Kwara State.

 “He is passionate about nurturing the next generation of football talent in Nigeria,” said Mr. Awoniyi. “Through his foundation, he’s committed to providing opportunities for these young players to grow and succeed.” The jersey presentation ceremony was attended by officials of the league board, its directors, coaches, and players of the participating teams.

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“We appreciate Taiwo Awoniyi’s kind gesture,” said Chairman Kwara Kiddies League Proprietors, Barr. Luqman Balogun. “This will undoubtedly motivate these young players to strive for excellence.” Taiwo Awoniyi Foundation remains dedicated to empowering youth through sports, education, and community development initiatives.

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

This partnership underscores Awoniyi’s commitment to promoting health, hygiene, and sports development among Nigeria’s youth. To further support the well-being of the young athletes, Awoniyi’s foundation also introduced a meal program, providing a nutritious meal to each player.

English Premier League team Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito has confirmed that Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is likely to miss two games as a result of injury.

The attacker has been out of action due to injury and he also missed the Super Eagles international games against the Black Stars of Ghana and the Eagles of Mali.

But while addressing journalists ahead of the Reds’ today’s EPL clash with Crystal Palace at the City Ground the Forest manager stated that Awoniyi won’t  be involved in the tie and their next game on Tuesday at home to Fulham.

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 The former Wolves coach exudes confidence that Awoniyi would still be involved in EPL games before the end of the season.

“I don’t know exactly how long he will be out for but I am positive we are going to see him again this season. He will definitely miss these two games”, he told Nottinghamshireshire Live.

“He is doing treatment. It is a serious injury, unfortunately. It is a big blow for us because he had just come back (from injury). The importance of Taiwo is huge. He gives us another option.”