Nigeria international, Taiwo Awoniyi marked his return to the score sheet as Nottingham Forest claimed a vital 2–0 away victory over Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium, boosting their hopes of Premier League survival.
Awoniyi, introduced in the 68th minute, wasted no time making his presence felt. Eleven minutes after coming on, the Nigerian forward capped a swift counterattack with a composed finish to seal the win and snap Brentford’s seven-game unbeaten home run.
Forest had taken an early lead through Igor Jesus, who struck in the 12th minute after Ola Aina’s clipped cross deflected kindly into his path. The Brazilian controlled expertly before rifling a right-footed volley into the far corner.
With Forest pushing for a second goal in the latter stages, Awoniyi replaced Jesus and delivered the decisive moment, powering into the box before calmly beating Caoimhin Kelleher.
Despite the win, Forest remain 17th on the table with 25 points, though now five points clear of the relegation zone. Brentford stay eighth on 33 points after missing the chance to move into the top five.
The goal was Awoniyi’s first of the season and his first since February 11, 2025, ending a long scoring drought.
It was a superb run and finish, and wonderful moment for the Nigeria forward, who underwent emergency surgery and was placed in an induced coma following a serious abdominal injury in May when he collided with the post in a league draw with Leicester City.
After a disappointing night for Forest in the Europa League on Thursday, with defeat at Braga meaning they require a play-off to reach the knockout phase, victory in London – and a third game unbeaten – provided some much-needed relief.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest will host Hungarian club Ferencvaros in the Europa League on Thursday, 29 January, with their next league outing against Crystal Palace at the City Ground on Sunday, 1 February.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
