Super Eagles: Premier League Golden glove winner lauds Awoniyi's display against Chelsea

Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has drawn praise from a one-time Premier League Golden Glove winner, Matz Sels, Afrik Foot reports.

The 28-year-old scored on either side of Igor Jesus’ penalty kick, pushing Forest further up the Premier League table, away from the relegation zone.

Sels was impeccable against the Blues, denying Cole Palmer from twelve yards. It took an acrobatic effort from Joao Pedro to beat the Belgian goalkeeper in goal.

Nottingham Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi. Copyright: xMIxNewsxIMAGO

Matz Sels lauds Taiwo Awoniyi’s display against Chelsea

Sels was the Premier Golden Glove winner for the 2024/2025 season, sealing the award with 13 clean sheets, shared with Arsenal’s David Raya.

Last night’s game against Chelsea was just Awoniyi’s second start all season, and the Forest goalkeeper was impressed with the Nigerian, who chose to keep his head down and keep working despite limited minutes.

Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels. Copyright: ImagoxKatiexChan

“In the last few weeks we did really well and didn’t lose a lot of games,” Sels told Sky Sports.

“We are doing well. The gaffer brings a lot of positive energy.

“He changed a lot of players, but (Dilane) Bakwa, Taiwo (Awoniyi) they performed really well. Really happy for them because they don’t always play but they’ve shown they can be there, so really happy for these guys.”

On his spot-kick save, Sels added:

“A good moment just before half-time, and they (Chelsea) were coming back in the game.

“I was happy to help the team in a crucial moment and this win is massive for us. We still have three games to play and it’s not yet done but we’re almost there now,” the 34-year-old concluded.

Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest applauds the fans. Copyright: ImagoxCraigxMercerx

While Nottingham Forest are in the semi-final of the UEFA Europa League, Taiwo Awoniyi was not registered for the tournament.

Should the Reds win the competition, the Nigerian will still get a medal. According to the Regulations of the UEFA Europa League, the winning team is presented with 50 gold medals, and the distribution is entirely up to the club to decide who gets a medal and who doesn’t.