Awoniyi: What Pereira said about Super Eagles forward after double against Chelsea

Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi was the star of the show as Nottingham Forest claimed an impressive 3-1 win over Chelsea on Monday, Afrik-Foot reports.

The former Union Berlin striker scored twice on his 100th appearance for Forest, helping them move further away from the relegation zone with only a few matches left this season.

Nottingham Forest rested several players for the clash with one eye on Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa, where they hold a 1-0 advantage from the first leg. However, Ola Aina was absent from the squad as he continues his recovery from a knock sustained in that first-leg encounter.

It took just two minutes for Awoniyi to show what the Forest fans had been missing, as he rose highest to head home a superb delivery from Dilane Bakwa.

The Nigerian forward remained heavily involved moments later when he was fouled in the box by Malo Gusto. After a VAR check, referee Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty, which was calmly converted by Igor Jesus.

Chelsea were also awarded a penalty later in the half, but Cole Palmer saw his effort saved by Matz Sels.

Awoniyi grabbed his second goal and his side’s third in the second half with a close-range finish, before João Pedro pulled one back for Chelsea in stoppage time, as the match ended 3-1 in favour of Forest.

Vitor Pereira hails Taiwo Awoniyi’s heroics against Chelsea

Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi has had limited opportunities this season, but he made the most of his chance with a well-taken brace that took his tally to four goals from 15 appearances.

Speaking after the match, Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira praised the contribution of Awoniyi and other players, who helped the club secure the victory which now moves them six points clear of the drop zone with three games remaining.

“I didn’t have any doubts. I changed the players but it didn’t change the spirit. These are the same players that played against FC Porto away. We were without Taiwo (Awoniyi) and (Luca) Netz then, but they’re both very good players and they can help us a lot”, Pereira said via Nottingham Forest’s official website.

“We played away against Midtjylland and they proved they have the quality and personality to play, and today was another challenge but also another opportunity to get three points and to keep our future in our own hands.

“We deserved it, the supporters deserved it and the club deserved it.”

Nottingham Forest are now close to securing survival in the Premier League and need just one win from their remaining three matches to be assured of safety for another campaign.