Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi reflects on his club's future amid their battle to avoid relegation from the English Premier League.
The Super Eagles player spoke after the Tricky Trees' 2-3 loss to Chelsea at the City Ground on Saturday. Awoniyi came on as a substitute for Moussa Niakhate in the 87th minute but was unable to alter the outcome in his club's favour.
The result meant Nuno Espirito Santo's men will retain their 17th position on the table with 29 points after 37 games played, three points above 18th-placed Luton Town.
The 26-year-old forward has only made twelve starts for Nottingham Forest this season, as he has been hampered by a recurring groin injury that sidelined him during Nigeria's AFCON 2023 campaign in Ivory Coast.
Awoniyi's impact was pivotal in Nottingham Forest's retention of their top-flight status last season, as he scored six goals in their last four league matches.
Similarly, this season, he returned from an eight-and-a-half-week spell on the sidelines to help Nottingham Forest to an important victory against Sheffield United. Prior to that, Awoniyi hadn’t kicked a ball since early March.
Taiwo Awoniyi believes in Forest's Premier League future amid contract speculation
Awoniyi remains focused on the present challenges facing Nottingham Forest. With the club battling to secure their position in the Premier League, the 26-year-old expressed confidence in their ability to remain in the top flight for the upcoming season.
He further stressed the importance of maintaining focus on the immediate task at hand: winning the next game.
In his own words, Awoniyi said, “I think for us, we’ll be there. We’ll be in the Premier League next season, but the most important thing is to win the next game.”
Responding to questions about his potential departure from Nottingham Forest, Awoniyi affirmed his commitment to the club, stating, “That’s a tough one, but I’m still under contract with Nottingham Forest and I’m here. So, for now, I’m a Nottingham Forest player.”
Awoniyi joined the English side from Union Berlin for a £17 million fee in the summer of 2022 and has quickly established himself as a key figure at the City Ground.
In his debut season, Awoniyi netted 10 times in the Premier League. This season, he has scored six goals in 19 appearances, starting 12 games and averaging 55 minutes per game.
At the core of Taiwo Awoniyi's success is his remarkable shot conversion rate, standing impressively at 28.6% in the Premier League, surpassing top players like Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Brentford’s Ivan Toney, and Newcastle’s Callum Wilson.
How can Nottingham Forest beat the drop and retain their Premier League status?
As the English Premier League season nears its conclusion, Nottingham Forest find themselves in a precarious position, battling to avoid relegation.
With just one game left, Forest remain three points ahead of Luton Town, who occupy the final relegation spot.
However, the situation looks secure for Forest, as the Hatters would need to overturn a significant goal difference swing of 12 on the final day to leapfrog them.
Why the Super Eagles need a fit Awoniyi ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
As the Super Eagles gear up for crucial encounters against South Africa and Benin next month in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the need for a fit Awoniyi becomes increasingly apparent.
Nigeria find themselves in a challenging position, having drawn both of their previous qualifying matches without securing a win.
Awoniyi has the potential to turn draws into victories and propel Nigeria towards World Cup qualification.
His ability to create scoring opportunities and convert chances could be instrumental in breaking down resilient defences and securing crucial wins for the Super Eagles.
Awoniyi's versatility and tactical awareness offer flexibility to Nigeria's attacking strategy, allowing for adaptability in different match scenarios.
Whether as a lone striker or as part of a dynamic attacking trio, his inclusion in the squad provides valuable options for the coaching staff to exploit opposition weaknesses effectively.
His physical presence and aerial prowess make him a potent threat in set-piece situations, adding another dimension to Nigeria's attacking arsenal.
Awoniyi received a call-up from Gernot Rohr in late 2021 to join Nigeria's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
He made his Super Eagles debut during their 1–0 defeat to the Central African Republic. Subsequently, he was also included in Nigeria's squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, where he played as the primary striker throughout the tournament.
Awoniyi's solitary goal in the tournament occurred during Nigeria's 3–1 victory over Sudan in the group stage.
He has made eight appearances for Nigeria and registered two goals.