Taiwo Awoniyi: Super Eagles striker loses award to Man United star despite Chelsea brace

Taiwo Awoniyi delivered one of the most complete centre-forward displays of the Premier League weekend, yet the Nottingham Forest striker narrowly missed out on the Matchweek 35 award, Afrik-Foot reports.

Despite an excellent display for Forest on Monday afternoon at the Stamford Bridge, Awoniyi missed out on the individual honour, which instead went to Manchester United’s rising midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.

The Nigerian forward had been widely tipped as a leading contender after his dominant showing in west London, where Forest stunned Chelsea 3-1. It was a landmark day for Awoniyi, marking his 100th appearance for the club, and he made it count in emphatic fashion.

But when the fan vote was announced, it was Mainoo who came out on top with 54 per cent, comfortably ahead of the rest of the field. Awoniyi, despite his standout display, managed six per cent, placing him among a competitive group that included Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres, Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku and Bukayo Saka.

Mainoo’s match-winning performance for Manchester United against Liverpool proved decisive in the voting. The England international scored the goal that secured a crucial victory, one that guaranteed Champions League football for next season. His all-round display included completing 48 of 54 passes, winning possession seven times and succeeding in both of his dribbles to the delight of head coach Michael Carrick.

It was the first time Mainoo had claimed the Matchweek award and continued a strong run for United players this season, with several teammates having already picked up the honour.

Awoniyi’s Chelsea masterclass shows why he was a top contender

Even in defeat in the voting, Awoniyi’s performance stood out as one of the finest individual displays of the weekend.

The Super Eagles forward needed just 98 seconds to make his mark against Chelsea, rising highest to power in a header from a Dilane Bakwa cross. It was the fastest away goal scored at Stamford Bridge in over ten years and immediately set the tone for Forest’s aggressive approach.

Awoniyi’s physical presence caused constant problems for the Chelsea defence. Midway through the first half, he forced a foul from Malo Gusto, winning a penalty that Igor Jesus calmly converted to double Forest’s lead.

He then completed his brace early in the second half, finishing off a well-worked move with a simple tap-in from Morgan Gibbs-White’s delivery to make it 3-0. Remarkably, the striker scored twice from just two shots on target.

Beyond the goals, Awoniyi’s all-round contribution was crucial. The former Union Berlin man led the line with strength and intelligence, held up play effectively and allowed his teammates to join attacks.

The result itself carried major significance. Forest’s victory lifted them six points clear of the relegation zone with only three matches remaining, effectively securing their Premier League status. At the same time, it dealt a serious blow to Chelsea’s hopes of finishing in the top five.

Awoniyi has managed four goals and one assist in 14 league appearances this season, already better than the one strike he notched in 26 matches last term.