Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi played just one minute as Nottingham Forest secured a 2-0 away victory over Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
Nigeria defender Ola Aina and Swedish forward Anthony Elanga scored the goals that propelled Forest to fifth position on the table.
The 27-year-old Awoniyi has endured a frustrating season, dropping down the pecking order at the City Ground as New Zealand striker Chris Wood becomes the preferred option up front.
Now, the forward has found himself in unfamiliar territory at the club, playing second fiddle to Wood who has been in great form this season.
Awoniyi joined Nottingham Forest from Union Berlin in the 2022/23 season for €20 million.
He had a successful debut campaign, scoring 10 goals and providing one assist in 27 appearances, despite missing 13 games due to injury.
His performances made him the club’s undisputed starter in the striking position.
In the 2023/24 season, injuries continued to plague the Nigerian forward.
He managed 23 games, scoring six goals, and played a crucial role in helping Forest avoid relegation, with the team finishing 17th on the log.
Awoniyi’s resilience despite his fitness struggles helped maintain Forest’s top-flight status.
This season, however, Chris Wood has emerged as Forest’s main man, netting 10 goals in 17 appearances and forming a solid attacking partnership with Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Awoniyi has found it difficult to break into the starting eleven.
What went wrong with Awoniyi at Forest?
Awoniyi’s bright start in England after his move from Germany has dimmed, with injuries playing a major role in his decline.
Though a talented striker, his inability to stay fit has hindered his progress.
In his debut season, Awoniyi missed 13 games due to injury but ended the campaign strongly, scoring six goals in Forest’s final five matches.
However, his form dipped in the following season as injuries persisted.
Awoniyi missed 19 games during the 2023/24 season due to a groin issue, which also kept him out of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in the Ivory Coast earlier this year.
This term, Awoniyi has started only two games and is yet to score in 17 appearances.
Wood’s impressive form has cemented his place as Forest’s starting striker, leaving Awoniyi with limited opportunities.
What next for Awoniyi?
A move away from Nottingham Forest seems to be the most viable option for Awoniyi as he looks to revive his career and rediscover his scoring touch.
With Woods in excellent form, breaking into the team appears increasingly difficult for the Nigerian forward.
Reports in England suggest that Forest are open to listening to offers for Awoniyi.
The striker has previously been linked with West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Everton.
However, it remains uncertain where he might land, as his contract with Forest runs until the summer of 2027.
A return to the Bundesliga is also being considered, with speculation surrounding his camp pointing in that direction.
For Awoniyi, a fresh start elsewhere might provide the spark he needs to regain his confidence and start scoring goals again.
A move could be the catalyst for his resurgence, as he seeks to re-establish himself as a top striker at both club and international levels.
