Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo, is confident Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi will regain top form and has revealed his desire for that to happen.
The Super Eagles forward has struggled for playing time this season, with New Zealand striker Chris Wood preferred to him, and has been linked with a move away from the City Ground this season.
“He can absolutely get back [to that previous level]. Yes, absolutely, because he shows it every day. 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”, the Portuguese coach said.
“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.”
The former Union Berlin has appeared in 16 matches in the league this season, but has only started twice. He scored his only goal of the season so far in the 3-0 win over Wolves in Forest’s first game of the year.
“It is fitness, it is confidence and it is another factor – which is minutes on the pitch, because Chris [Wood] 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 Taiwo. 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”, he added.
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
