Nottingham Forest head coach denies Awoniyi exit talks, backs Super Eagles striker to hit top form

During the English Premier League season, the 27-year-old attacker has had difficulty playing minutes for Forest. The player who used to score goals for the Reds will undoubtedly feel a little left out given how high they are in the league.

At the City Ground, Awoniyi has forced to take a backseat role while Chris Wood is at the height of his abilities. The former Union Berlin has suitors, most notably Graham Potter’s West Ham United, despite his lack of playing time.
In response to reports that Awoniyi would leave Nottingham Forest in January, Nuno Espirito Santo denied any involvement in the transfer rumors. Rather, the former manager of Tottenham Hotspur gave the Nigerian admiration.

“Taiwo came on late in the game (against Liverpool), having played very well in the previous game against Luton. We hope that he progresses with his fitness level because we know the talent and the quality he has. He is a goalscorer. He always has an impact, he always has chances. That is what you can say about Taiwo. Is there something I do not know? Are there rumours?,” the Portuguese gaffer said in quotes revealed by Nottingham Post.

“He can absolutely get back [to that previous level]. Yes, absolutely, because he shows it every day. He works very hard and we cannot forget the importance of Taiwo to Forest and the history of what he has done for the club. I was fortunate enough to see many of the games that Taiwo was involved in and his performance level was very high. I am absolutely confident that he will get back to that.”

“It is fitness, it is confidence and it is another factor – which is minutes on the pitch, because Chris [Wood] is doing very well. Taiwo recognises that and is humble enough to know that he has to wait for his moment.

“His moment (currently) is not going to be when he starts, it is going to be when he comes on in the game. He scored against Wolves to close down the game and that is what we want from Taiwo. He has to be ready, whether it is minute one or minute 90 that he is involved. The other part is mentality. I am sure he is totally focused and committed to the club,” the former Wolverhampton Wanderers coach concluded.