Nottingham Forest coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, has said Taiwo Awoniyi is on the road to rediscovering his form but he has to grab the chance when he gets his opportunity.
The 27-year-old forward has struggled for minutes with Forest in the English Premier League season, making 16 appearances with just two starts.
Earlier this month, the striker ended a 324-day goal drought for the club in their 3-0 win over Wolves.
Awoniyi is in his third season at the City Ground after joining them from Union Berlin in the summer of 2022/23.
He lit up the EPL with 10 goals and one assist in 27 games which saved Forest from relegation in his first season and also managed six goals and three assists in 20 games last term.
With the Reds flying high in the league, it is without a doubt that the man who used to score goals for them will somewhat feel left out, but the coach is giving him a pat on the back despite the uncertainties hanging over his future.
“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 via 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 added.
Awoniyi will be expected to get some more minutes on Sunday, when the Reds continue their league campaign Southampton to the City Ground.
Credit: punchng.com
