Taiwo Awoniyi, the Nigerian striker for Nottingham Forest, broke a 324-day goal drought in a resounding 3-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers. This crucial goal, scored in the 94th minute of the Premier League clash, marked Awoniyi’s first of the 2024/25 season and sparked an outpouring of support and encouragement from fans and teammates alike. The victory propelled Forest up the table, placing them joint-third alongside Arsenal with 40 points after 20 matches. The goal was a significant moment for Awoniyi, who has struggled to secure a consistent starting position this season.
Awoniyi’s last goal came in February 2024 during a 2-0 win over West Ham United, a period when he was the preferred striker for Forest. A muscle injury curtailed his previous season, and he has since faced challenges regaining his place in the starting lineup, making only 15 appearances in the Premier League this season, with a mere two starts. His relief and joy were evident in his celebration, which featured a Bible verse inscribed on his chin pad – James 1.17 – a testament to his faith and gratitude.
The Nigerian international’s goal came as the final touch in a dominant performance by Nottingham Forest. Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood had already secured a two-goal lead before Awoniyi’s late contribution. Wood, Forest’s leading scorer this season, praised Awoniyi’s dedication and hard work, highlighting the striker’s importance to the team. He emphasized that the goal was a deserved reward for Awoniyi’s persistent efforts both on and off the pitch.
The outpouring of support extended beyond the pitch and onto social media. Nottingham Forest’s official X (formerly Twitter) account shared a photo of Awoniyi celebrating, which ignited a wave of positive comments from fans. Many expressed their joy for the striker, recognizing the significance of the goal for him personally and for the team’s overall morale. Fans commended his perseverance and expressed hope for more goals to come. The shared celebration with teammates Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga was also highlighted as a testament to the team’s strong spirit and camaraderie.
Awoniyi’s journey with Nottingham Forest began in the summer of 2022/23 when he joined from Union Berlin. His first season was a resounding success, with 10 goals and one assist in 27 appearances, playing a pivotal role in securing the club’s Premier League survival. Despite the injury setback last season, he still managed a respectable six goals and three assists in 20 games.
Prior to scoring against Wolves, Awoniyi’s future at the City Ground had been subject to speculation. Rumors circulated about a potential January transfer as he sought more regular playing time. However, this crucial goal could mark a turning point in his season, potentially solidifying his place in the squad and silencing transfer rumors. The goal not only provided a much-needed confidence boost for Awoniyi but also served as a reminder of his capabilities and striking prowess.
The resurgent form of Chris Wood had presented an additional challenge for Awoniyi, limiting his opportunities in the starting lineup. However, his goal against Wolves served as a powerful statement of his intent and ability to contribute significantly to the team. This performance could be instrumental in earning him more playing time in future matches. The team’s emphatic victory also underlined their collective strength and potential to climb further up the Premier League table.
