EPL: How Taiwo Awoniyi thrived despite injury-plagued second year at Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi | Imago

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Taiwo Awoniyi was an impactful substitute for Nottingham Forest in 2023-24 (Imago)

EPL: How Taiwo Awoniyi thrived despite injury-plagued second year at Nottingham Forest

Seye Omidiora 21:07 - 20.05.2024

The Super Eagles man was impactful off the bench despite a groin injury that limited his game time in the concluded Premier League season.

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi had a say in the club’s season despite having a below-par second year in English football. 

Awoniyi’s drop-off in year two

The Nigeria international netted 10 Premier League goals in his debut season in England, notching six in the relegation run-in as the Tricky Trees battled for survival. 

Awoniyi’s second season was not as prolific, as the former Union Berlin frontman hit just six top-flight goals, with Chris Wood outdoing the Nigerian. 

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The 26-year-old endured injury hell, with his troublesome groin requiring surgery in November, ruling him out of AFCON 2023 with Nigeria. Only two more goals were scored by the Nigerian to take him to six goals in 2023-24, but Awoniyi’s impact as a substitute was striking. 

According to Transfermarkt, Awoniyi netted twice in 150 minutes altogether after his introduction in eight games, only two shy of the top-scoring Premier League substitute Harvey Barnes. However, the Newcastle United winger played 335 minutes in his 14 substitute appearances. 

Awoniyi’s two goals off the bench coincidentally came against Arsenal, scoring after coming off the bench for Danilo in gameweek one at the Emirates Stadium and repeated the trick in the reverse fixture at the City Ground. Unfortunately, the Nigerian’s goals did not change the outcome on both occasions as Mikel Arteta’s men ran out 2-1 winners. 

Taiwo Awoniyi
Taiwo Awoniyi was not as prolific in year two in England (Credit: Imago)

What comes next for Awoniyi?

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Awoniyi after seemingly losing his spot to Wood who netted 14 Premier League goals for Forest in 23-24.

The Nigerian will hope to stay fit in 2024-25, keen to avoid another stop-start campaign.