Nuno Espirito Santo says Taiwo Awoniyi remains an important figure at Nottingham Forest – and backed him to get back to his best at the City Ground.
There has been talk of interest from Premier League rivals West Ham in the Nigeria international, who has found himself playing second fiddle to the rampaging figure of Chris Wood this season.
But Nuno believes Awoniyi still has a part to play, even if he might have to wait patiently for his opportunity, with New Zealand international Wood having plundered 13 goals amid the club’s remarkable rise.
Forest find themselves challenging for a Champions League place, ahead of the visit of Southampton on Sunday. And, while Wood’s form means he is assured of his place, Nuno still regards Awoniyi as an important figure, as the club’s only other experienced recognised striker.
Awoniyi, 27, has started only two Premier League games this season while making 14 appearances off the bench – amounting to just 222 minutes of game time – which has had an impact on his sharpness. But Awoniyi did score his first goal of the season in the 3-0 win over Wolves at the start of the month.
The ten goals Awoniyi scored in his first season after joining the club in a £17million move from Union Berlin in 2022 were vital to their survival under Steve Cooper. He added another six goals last season, amid an injury-hit campaign.
“He can absolutely get back (to that previous level). Yes, absolutely. Because he shows it every day,” said Nuno in his pre-match press conference. “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.”
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Forest will not consider selling Awoniyi unless somebody makes an offer that is well in excess of the fee they paid for him two and a half years ago, with his contract set to run until 2027.
They are in fact keen to bolster their forward options with the addition of another striker, to provide competition and cover for Wood and Awoniyi, with senior figures hoping for a quiet, considered January window.
Defender Andrew Omobamidele would be allowed to leave on loan, with interest from a number of Championship clubs in the Ireland international. While Emmanuel Dennis, who has not been in Nuno’s 25-man squad, will also be allowed to move on.
But otherwise, Forest do not want to see any key figures depart and Nuno regards Awoniyi in that bracket.
“We know the talent and the quality he has. He is a goalscorer,” said Nuno. “He always has an impact, he always has chances. That is what you can say about Taiwo.
“For him it is, it is confidence and it is another factor – which is minutes on the pitch. Because Chris 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 T.
“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.”
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