Three reasons Taiwo Awoniyi is the ideal attacking signing for Coventry City

Coventry City have made a statement of intent with the signing of Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest, Afrik-foot reports.

The newly promoted Premier League side paid €10.50 million for the Nigerian striker, bringing in a forward with experience of English top-flight football and a proven ability to deliver when the pressure is at its highest.

For Frank Lampard, Awoniyi is more than just another option in attack. With Coventry preparing for their first Premier League campaign in 25 years, the 29-year-old could prove to be one of the most important additions to their squad. Here are three reasons why.

1. Taiwo Awoniyi’s Top-Flight Experience Could Be Priceless

The biggest attraction of Taiwo Awoniyi is arguably something that cannot be bought easily in the transfer market, and that is Premier League experience.

The Nigerian has spent the last four seasons playing in England’s top flight with Nottingham Forest, making 103 appearances and scoring 23 goals for the club across all competitions.

His Premier League record includes 21 goals, and he has experienced almost every kind of situation a promoted club can face — from fighting relegation to competing at the other end of the table. That matters enormously for Coventry.

Lampard’s side are entering a Premier League season in which virtually every match will present a different challenge. Coventry will have to cope with the intensity of playing against the division’s established sides, while also dealing with the pressure that comes with trying to avoid an immediate return to the Championship. Awoniyi has already been there.

He knows what it takes to play against Premier League defenders, understands the physical demands of the division and, importantly, has experienced relegation battles before.

That knowledge could be particularly valuable inside Coventry’s dressing room when the season inevitably becomes difficult.

2. Awoniyi Can Be Clutch

If Coventry are going to survive, there will be a point in the season when goals become more valuable than ever. That is where Awoniyi’s record could give Lampard plenty of encouragement.

The clearest example came during Nottingham Forest’s relegation battle in 2022/23. After returning from injury towards the end of the campaign, Awoniyi exploded into life when Forest needed him most. He scored twice against Southampton in a crucial 4-3 victory on May 8 before scoring another brace in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea five days later. He then scored the winner against Arsenal in Forest’s next home game.

That was five goals across three games at arguably the most important stage of Forest’s season. The significance was obvious.

Taiwo Awoniyi has really punished Chelsea today.

He scores his brace after assisting the other goal of the match to make it 3-0 to Nottingham Forest.#CHENFO #CHEFOR pic.twitter.com/r8nhMIjJ3Y

— Mr Imbuya (@Imbuya_media) May 4, 2026

Forest were fighting for Premier League survival, and Awoniyi responded with goals that helped them secure the points they needed. His two goals against Southampton were particularly important in a match Forest could not afford to lose. That experience could become extremely useful for Coventry.

If Coventry find themselves in a relegation fight in April or May, having a striker who has previously produced a late-season scoring surge could prove invaluable.

3. The €10.50M Price tag Makes The Deal Look Even Smarter

Then there is the financial side of the transfer. Coventry have reportedly agreed a €10.50 million deal to bring Awoniyi from Forest, a fee that looks relatively modest for a striker with his Premier League experience.

For a club returning to the Premier League, spending money wisely will be just as important as spending it.

Coventry do not necessarily need a striker who costs €50 million. They need a forward capable of making an immediate impact without putting unnecessary pressure on the club’s finances. Awoniyi fits that profile.

A strong Premier League campaign could make Awoniyi an even more valuable asset, while his existing experience means Coventry are not gambling on a striker who has never tested himself at this level.