Nottingham Forest: How Vitor Pereira’s contract decision affects Taiwo Awoniyi

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi could be set for a stay at Nottingham Forest beyond this summer after coach Vitor Pereira made a key decision regarding his future, Afrik Foot reports.

The Portuguese head coach was brought in after Forest had fired Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou, and Sean Dyche as they scrambled for safety in the English top-flight.

Pereira steadied the ship for the two-time UEFA Champions League winners, even helping the team to a place in the semi-final of the UEFA Europa League, where they lost to Aston Villa.

The former Wolves coach has a contract that expires at the end of next season, and recently rejected an offer from Al-Hilal, as per Ben Jacobs.

🚨 Exclusive: Vitor Pereira remains committed to Nottingham Forest despite interest from Al Hilal.

However, a contract extension at Nottingham Forest is not now expected to be finalised this summer.

Pereira has one year left on his current deal and has been engaged in talks… pic.twitter.com/rGWlbea9NR

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 15, 2026

What Pereira’s stance means for Awoniyi’s future at Nottingham Forest

With the former FC Porto coach expected to remain at the City Ground for another season at least, Taiwo Awoniyi’s future at the club might be secure for the tenure in which the coach is there.

The Nigerian’s contract with Forest runs out next season, and there have been no talks over a possible renewal, although the striker has been clear that he wants to stay at the club.

“Four years in the Premier League has been a dream for the club and me,” Awoniyi told SportsBoom.

“The club has shown faith in me when I was down, so we will see what happens next.

“My family and I are settled here in Nottingham, a great city. Next season, we will be better.”

After suffering an intestinal rupture in the 2024/2025 season, the former Mainz 05 striker fell down the pecking order at Forest, and the club’s decision to bring in Igor Jesus and Arnaud Kalimuendo pushed the Nigerian further down.

Awoniyi played just one game for the Reds until Pereira came in, and while he wasn’t the outright starter, he was able to garner more minutes under the Portuguese.

When the coach was quizzed about why he started Awoniyi back in March, he said:

“I decided to go with Taiwo. My decisions about how you need to deserve what you get in life. It’s not about the quality, because he (Lucca) has quality. But, in this moment, in my opinion, Taiwo deserved to play, and it was my decision,” the 57-year-old said in quotes revealed by Football Insider.

The feat continued as well when Awoniyi came off the bench against Tottenham Hotspur, and when he made his 100th appearance for the club, coach Pereira reiterated the Nigerian’s work rate.

“I have never seen Taiwo without a smile, never. Every single day, whether he is playing or not playing, he is the same person, the same fighter, with the same spirit and the same energy.

“I had no doubts that he would perform and score goals. In fact, I told him before the game, ‘you will score for sure today,’ and he went out and scored two.

“I am very happy for him, very happy for our supporters, and for all our players.”

Pereira’s words clearly show that he values the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner, and now that he’s set to stay at the club, he can put a foot down with the club hierarchy to stop a potential Awoniyi exit from happening.

Forest are set to have a massive squad shakeup this summer, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson already linked with big clubs.