Nottingham Forest’s head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, has expressed his confidence in Taiwo Awoniyi, the Nigerian striker who has faced challenges in securing a consistent starting position this season. After initially being a key player in the squad, the 27-year-old has found himself falling behind other forwards, including Chris Wood and Jota Silva, in the team’s striking hierarchy. In six appearances, Awoniyi has managed only one start and made three substitute appearances, a stark contrast to his previous season where he finished as the second-top scorer with nine goals, despite injuries hampering his progress.
Following his participation in a recent Carabao Cup match against Newcastle, where he struggled to make an impact and missed a penalty during the shootout, Awoniyi has returned to international duty with Nigeria. Nuno has expressed hopes that game time with the Super Eagles will help Awoniyi regain his form. The Nottingham Forest manager has acknowledged the need for all strikers to seize their opportunities, particularly highlighting that Taiwo performed well in his last outing against Fulham, where he played 45 minutes and created several scoring opportunities. This indicates Nuno’s intention to reintegrate Awoniyi into the team’s plans.
Acknowledging the role of competition in Awoniyi’s development, Nuno emphasized the importance of managing the striker effectively, especially after coping with multiple injuries in the past. He noted that while patience is essential, the strategy revolves around proper management and pushing the player to ensure his fitness and readiness for matches. The manager underscored that Awoniyi has been putting in extra training to compensate for lost time, showing both his commitment and the coaching staff’s belief in his abilities. Nuno reiterated that having Awoniyi performing at his best would be a significant asset to the team.
Nuno’s comments reflect a broader strategy of nurturing talent while navigating the pressures of competitive football. He believes that with adequate game exposure, Awoniyi can return to Forest as a valuable option, enhancing the team’s attacking capabilities. The former Tottenham manager’s challenge lies in effectively integrating players like Awoniyi into a crowded forward line while keeping the squad’s morale high amid fierce competition for places. Nuno’s approach underscores the delicate balance of utilizing players who possess proven skills while also developing their forms and fitness.
While Awoniyi has been under pressure due to limited playing time, his national team call-up for the 2025 AFCON qualifying matches signifies recognition of his talent at the international level. Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen has included Awoniyi, trusting that competitive play will aid in his recovery of form and bolster his confidence. This opportunity may also serve as a catalyst for Awoniyi to demonstrate his capabilities, not just for his country, but as a way to reassert his value within Nottingham Forest.
In summary, the relationship between Nuno and Awoniyi is crucial for both player and club as they strive for a successful season. Nuno’s confidence in Awoniyi’s potential is evident, as is his commitment to carefully managing the player’s return to form. With proper nurturing and competitive exposure, there is a clear path for the striker to regain his status and make significant contributions both at the club and international levels.
