Taiwo Awoniyi marked a significant personal milestone on Sunday, finding the net as Nottingham Forest secured a 2–0 victory over West Ham United at the City Ground.
The Super Eagles striker sealed the three points with a composed solo finish, rounding off a swift counter-attack to cap an impressive Forest performance. Beyond its immediate impact on the result, the goal carried deeper significance for Awoniyi, as it was his first Premier League strike in over a year.
The 26-year-old has endured a difficult period at Forest, with injuries and inconsistent form severely limiting his playing time. Those challenges had fuelled speculation about his future, with reports linking him to a possible return to the Bundesliga. Former clubs Mainz and Werder Bremen were both said to be monitoring his situation during the winter transfer window.
However, Awoniyi has now moved to shut down those rumours, making it clear that his focus remains firmly on succeeding in England’s top flight.
“I have always believed this is where I want to be,” Awoniyi told Forest TV after the match. “I have always believed I am a Premier League player, no matter what’s going on around me.”
The striker was quick to credit head coach Nuno Espírito Santos for restoring his confidence and reintegrating him into the squad. According to Awoniyi, his prolonged goal drought was not a reflection of declining ability but rather a consequence of limited opportunities.
“Unfortunately, what I have been through over the last one-and-a-half years, I have not been playing a lot, and I have not been involved,” he explained. “The coach came in, and he brought me back, and this is something I am happy about. Getting the goal today is something I am happy about.”
Awoniyi also acknowledged that the lack of regular minutes had affected his sharpness in front of goal.
“I have not been playing for a while as well, and maybe that’s why the goal is not there,” he admitted.
With his confidence renewed and his name back on the scoresheet, Awoniyi will be hoping this goal marks the beginning of a sustained run in the Forest side. For both club and country, a fully fit and firing Awoniyi could yet prove to be a crucial asset in the months ahead.
