Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has expressed confidence in Taiwo Awoniyi’s abilities and highlighted the importance of competitive play for the Super Eagles forward.
The 27-year-old striker was given his first start of the season alongside Chris Wood in the Tricky Trees' 1-0 defeat to Fulham last weekend, marking their first loss of the campaign.
Awoniyi, who has yet to find the net for Forest this season, has faced criticism from a section of the club's fanbase for his lacklustre performance. He had just 20 touches, won four out of eight duels, lost possession nine times, committed two fouls and made one clearance, as well as having zero shots on target.
This has led to calls for Nuno to allow Wood, who has already scored three goals this season, lead in the attack in the subsequent games.
Nuno Espirito Santo highlights the importance of competition for Taiwo Awoniyi
However, the Portuguese manager has expressed his support for Awoniyi ahead of Sunday's game with Chelsea.
“All the strikers need that moment, but (Awoniyi) did well (against Fulham). It’s been a while since he started,” Nuno said.
“He played 45 minutes and created a lot of situations. It was an option to put him alongside Wood. It’s something we have to work on and improve because it can give us good results, but that was the first time (of using it). I think he did well.
“Now it’s about managing him. Now he goes to the national team. I hope he plays because what Taiwo needs is to be competing. Hopefully when he returns, he is another option for us,” he added.
The forward has struggled with injuries since joining the Premier League club from Union Berlin two seasons ago.
Awoniyi missed 17 matches due to a groin issue in his first season at the club, and last season, he was sidelined for 18 games due to groin surgery and a subsequent thigh problem.