Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has warned that Nottingham Forest’s ambitions for the new Premier League season must begin long before the first competitive match is played.
The Nigerian forward made the statement after scoring in Forest’s impressive 3-0 pre-season victory over Blackburn Rovers in the Algarve, insisting that the habits developed during pre-season could determine how the team performs when the real battle begins.
Awoniyi came off the mark with Forest’s third goal after Arnaud Kalimuendo had helped put the Reds in a commanding position, for the Super Eagles striker, however, the goal was about more than simply getting his name on the scoresheet, it was about building momentum.
And, perhaps more importantly, building the mentality required to compete in the Premier League, speaking after the friendly, Awoniyi explained that pre-season is not simply a period for players to regain fitness.
According to the Nigerian striker, it is also the time when teams develop the habits and mentality that can carry them through the long Premier League campaign.
“It feels good, that’s what pre-season is all about; getting the rhythm going and getting ready for the season, and of course getting the goals,” Awoniyi said.
The 28-year-old believes Forest cannot afford to wait until the opening league fixture before developing the attitude required to win matches.
Instead, he wants the team to establish that mentality from the very beginning of preparations.
“The games we want during the season start now. This is where you get all the bits done, because when the season starts you will have less time to do the running. This is where your winning mentality starts. If we’re going to achieve anything it starts from here,” he added.
It is a message that could resonate strongly with Forest supporters.
The Premier League is unforgiving, and small details can often separate a successful campaign from a disappointing one.
For Awoniyi, those details must be addressed before the competitive season begins.
Awoniyi’s goal against Blackburn will also be welcomed by Nigerian football fans.
The Super Eagles striker has endured his own challenges with injuries in recent seasons, making a strong and consistent pre-season particularly important as he looks to enter the new campaign in the best possible condition.
Regular minutes and goals could be crucial for the forward as he continues to compete for a leading role at both club and international level, when fit and firing, Awoniyi remains one of Nigeria’s most dangerous strikers.
His strength, movement and ability to attack spaces make him a difficult opponent for defenders, while his experience in English football gives him an important understanding of the demands of the Premier League.
The priority now is to build rhythm and maintain his fitness, Awoniyi knows that a productive pre-season can provide the foundation for a much stronger campaign.
The Nigerian striker also admitted that the conditions in Portugal were demanding, but insisted that the work being done now is essential for the season ahead.
“It was hot but, as I said, pre-season is all about getting fitness and getting the minutes. The goal is to be ready for the first game, so we need to keep it going,” Awoniyi explained.
That final message may be the most important one, Forest’s 3-0 win is encouraging, but pre-season results do not count towards the Premier League table.
The real test will come when the competitive fixtures begin, Until then, the players must continue working on their fitness, tactical understanding and chemistry, for Awoniyi, that process has already started.
The new season will bring another opportunity for Nottingham Forest to compete at the highest level of English football, and the club will be hoping that the foundations laid during pre-season can translate into positive results.
Awoniyi’s approach suggests that the squad understands the importance of preparation.
The Nigerian forward is clearly not interested in treating pre-season as a series of meaningless friendlies.
For him, every training session and every match provides an opportunity to develop the habits needed to succeed.
That mentality could prove valuable when Forest face the intensity of the Premier League.
For Nigerian football supporters, there is also plenty to watch out for, a fit and confident Taiwo Awoniyi could be a major asset for Nottingham Forest and the Super Eagles, the striker has already shown that he can find the net during pre-season.
Now, the challenge is to carry that form into the competitive campaign, the warning has been sent.
For Awoniyi, the winning mentality is not something that suddenly appears on matchday, tt starts now.
And if Nottingham Forest can turn that mentality into consistent performances when the Premier League begins, the Super Eagles star believes the club could be ready for a season of real ambition.
