Awoniyi puts injury troubles behind, pushes for a starting berth
Nigeria international forward, Taiwo Awoniyi hopes to put his injury troubles behind him, as he pushes for a starting berth in Nuno Espirito Santo tutored Nottingham Forest.
The 2013 FIFA under-17 World Cup winner played his first game for the national team since undergoing surgery in November 2023, coming off the bench to replace Ademola Lookman in injury time, as Nigeria held host, Rwanda to a goalless draw in the 2025 AFCON qualifier on Tuesday.
“It feels great to be back. After a period away due to injury, returning to play is what every footballer hopes for. I’m really happy to be back on the field”, Awoniyi told SportsBoom.com
The 27-year-old went under the knife in November 2023, to correct a long-standing groin problem which ruled him out of 12 games, before he returned on 30 January 2024, only to be sidelined by a thigh injury two months later.
During the pre-season, Awoniyi made two second half appearances against Villarreal and Olympiacos during the pre-season as he continues to regain full fitness.
The striker, whose only start this season, came in the Carabao Cup shootout loss to Newcastle United, believes with hardwork he will regain a spot in the starting eleven, following substitute appearances in the Reds’ first three Premier League games.
However, with Chris Wood already having two goals to his name, Awoniyi faces a fight to get into the starting line-up, as ninth-placed Forests prepare to visit his former club, Liverpool, on Saturday afternoon.
“That is football for you, sometimes you come on early, sometimes you start a game. Nottingham Forest is a team full of talent and players who can be trusted. I just need to keep pushing and keep working hard”
Awoniyi, who made nine goal contributions in 20 Premier League appearances last season, believes he will get back to his goal scoring form.
“I will keep going as it comes and I work very hard. With the injury I have suffered in the last couple of months, I just have to focus on my fitness and the goals will start coming again.
“Talking about targets for this season, I will keep that to myself. Every player has what they are looking forward to and that goes for me as well” he said.