Taiwo Awoniyi to Coventry: Two reasons Nigerian striker rejected Rizespor

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is set to remain in England after agreeing to join newly promoted Premier League side Coventry City from Nottingham Forest despite interest from Turkish club Rizespor, Afrik-Foot reports.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Coventry reached an agreement with Forest for Awoniyi yesterday, with the striker believed to have undergone his medical ahead of a permanent move to Frank Lampard’s side.

The transfer will bring an end to Awoniyi’s four-year spell at the City Ground, where he arrived from Union Berlin in 2022 and quickly established himself as an important figure in Forest’s attack.

However, injuries and a dip in form have limited his opportunities in recent seasons, with the 29-year-old falling down the pecking order at Forest.

Rizespor were among the clubs to show interest in the Nigerian striker as they looked to strengthen their attack, but Awoniyi ultimately opted against a move to Turkey.

Instead, Coventry’s emergence has allowed him to remain in England while continuing his Premier League career.

Why Taiwo Awoniyi rejected Rizespor

A source close to the player told Footy-Africa that Awoniyi’s strong preference to remain in England played a major role in his decision to choose Coventry over interest from abroad.

“Taiwo loves England and has always made it clear that he would prefer to remain in the country despite receiving offers from abroad,” the source said.

“He loves the Premier League and feels he still has unfinished business in the league. That is why he did not pursue some of the interest from overseas.”

The Super Eagles striker has now spent four years in England since leaving Union Berlin for Forest. His desire to remain in the country, however, goes beyond his footballing ambitions.

Former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana previously revealed that Awoniyi had a long-term plan to remain in England until he could secure a second passport.

“The day he gets to play in England, I told him he’ll stay there until he gets a second passport, but Nigeria will always be your home,” Olofinjana said.

“That’s why Taiwo Awoniyi is not going anywhere. He’s going to stay in England until he gets his passport.”

Awoniyi’s decision to join Coventry is therefore consistent with a plan that has been in place for several years.

Rather than starting again in another country, the Nigerian took his chance to continue his career in familiar surroundings while remaining in the Premier League.

His family is settled in England

There was also an important personal consideration behind Awoniyi’s decision to stay in England.

“His family is settled here in the UK, and he did not feel it was necessary to pack up and leave at this stage of his career,” the source explained.

The situation made Coventry an attractive option because the club could offer Awoniyi Premier League football without forcing him and his family to relocate abroad.

“Coventry offered him a good deal and, most importantly, the opportunity to continue playing in the Premier League, which is what he has wanted for a long time.”

That combination appears to have made the Sky Blues a more appealing destination than Rizespor.

For Awoniyi, the move is also an opportunity to revive a career that has been disrupted by injuries during his final two years at Forest.

The Nigerian made 17 league appearances for the club last season, scoring four goals and providing one assist, as his opportunities became very limited following the hierarchy that ensued after the club brought Igor Jesus to deputise Chris Wood.

His departure from Forest will bring an emotional end to four years at the City Ground, but the source believes the striker still has plenty to offer.

“That was the main reason he decided to leave Forest. He knows it will be emotional to leave the City Ground, but he still has plenty of goals in him, and Coventry can give him a better opportunity to achieve them.”

Coventry, meanwhile, will hope Awoniyi can rediscover the form that made him such an important attacking player for Forest after their promotion to the Premier League.

The Nigerian will also link up with compatriot Frank Onyeka, who completed a permanent move to Coventry after helping the club secure promotion.

For Awoniyi, the decision to reject Rizespor ultimately came down to his desire to continue playing in England and the fact that his family is already settled there.

After an injury-disrupted period at Forest, Awoniyi will hope the move can provide the fresh start he needs to rediscover his best form and revive his place in Eric Chelle’s squad as he has yet to play for the Super Eagles since the Franco-Malian tactician took charge of the Green and Whites.