Taiwo Awoniyi: Frank Lampard’s 2 reasons for signing striker from Nottingham Forest

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi brought an end to his four-year spell at Nottingham Forest during the summer transfer window to join Coventry City.

The 29-year-old offered a reminder of what he can bring when he scored in Coventry’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Sunderland on Saturday.

Awoniyi doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 37th minute after dispossessing Luke O’Nien, powering past challenges and finishing beyond goalkeeper Robin Roefs.

Taiwo Awoniyi showing both sides of his game ⚖️@CoventryCityFC pic.twitter.com/QJMGmAmb28

— Premier League (@premierleague) November 1, 2026

It was his first Premier League goal for Coventry since joining from Nottingham Forest, and Lampard was pleased to see the striker deliver the qualities that had attracted the club to him.

Speaking on Coventry City’s official YouTube channel after the game, the manager explained that Awoniyi’s contribution goes beyond scoring goals.

Why Frank Lampard signed Taiwo Awoniyi

1. Awoniyi’s strength and ability to drive forward

Lampard’s first reason was the Nigerian’s physical presence, particularly his ability to win possession, hold off opponents and carry the ball into dangerous areas.

“He’s got that strength in his locker. That’s what we brought him here to do,” Lampard said.

The Sunderland goal provided a clear example. Awoniyi pressed O’Nien, won the ball off him, and used his strength to keep defenders at bay before driving towards the penalty area and finding the net, an ability Jack Rudoni jokingly excused because he was expecting a pass from the Nigerian.

“I wanted him to slip me in [pass to me], but then he skipped past a couple defenders and scored, so I let him off,” the Coventry City midfielder added.

“He’s strong, that’s what he does, he bullies the defender and puts the ball in the back of the net.

Lampard was also pleased with the forward’s contribution to the goal, highlighting how he won possession back and carried the ball forward after Tatsuhiro Sakamoto broke the deadlock.

“We started the game well, especially the first half. Tatsu’s finish was class; we know he can do that, and Taiwo as well, winning it back and then driving through; it was really good,” he added.

For a Coventry side competing in the Premier League on the back of a promotion campaign, having a forward capable of offering that physical outlet gives Lampard’s side an edge, considering the demands of the English top-flight.

2. His experience and influence in the dressing room

The second reason is less visible during matches but equally important to the former England International.

Awoniyi arrived at Coventry with experience from other top European leagues, having played in Germany with Mainz and Union Berlin before establishing himself in the Premier League at Nottingham Forest.

His journey also included spells at Liverpool, although he never made a senior competitive appearance for the Reds, alongside loan moves to clubs in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Lampard believes that experience has already made a positive difference inside the Coventry dressing room.

“He’s been a very positive acquisition for us in terms of how he’s been in the dressing room, and he’s brought his experience,” the former Chelsea midfielder said.

Awoniyi’s adaptation, however, has been far from smooth. Lampard revealed that the transfer disrupted his pre-season preparations, forcing the club to work on his fitness before the striker’s progress was interrupted by a three-match suspension following his red card against Brighton in September.

“Today, we saw a bit of what he’s about, and it’s good for his confidence as well,” the Coventry City coach concluded

The goal against Sunderland is an important step in Awoniyi’s attempt to establish himself at Coventry.

Lampard has made clear that he did not recruit the Nigerian for goals only. He wants his strength, experience and personality to make a difference.