Nottingham Forest head coach Oliver Glasner has praised Taiwo Awoniyi for his commitment and influence at the club as the Nigerian striker prepares to complete his move to Coventry City.
Awoniyi received an emotional farewell from Nottingham Forest supporters and his teammates on Sunday, with the striker given a guard of honour at the City Ground during the club’s final pre-season friendly against Brest. Forest won the match 2–0.
Read Also: Nigeria Curling Federation Appoints Phemmy Adetula As Communications Director | Sports247 Nigeria
The 29-year-old was given permission to finalise his transfer to newly promoted Coventry, with the deal reported to be worth around £17 million.
Glasner, who only took charge of Forest this summer, praised the manner in which Awoniyi conducted himself during the transition.
The Austrian coach said the farewell demonstrated the level of respect the Nigerian earned inside the dressing room and among Forest supporters.
“He always gave 100 per cent for the badge.”
Awoniyi joined Nottingham Forest in 2022 and went on to make more than 100 appearances for the club. His time at the City Ground included several important contributions, although injuries also disrupted periods of his Forest career.
He made a particularly encouraging start to Glasner’s pre-season preparations, scoring in Forest’s 3–0 victory over Blackburn Rovers on July 22.
The striker’s departure comes just days before the beginning of the new Premier League campaign, with Coventry returning to the top flight after winning the Championship last season. Coventry have agreed the deal as manager Frank Lampard looks to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the club’s return to the Premier League.
Awoniyi is expected to bring significant Premier League experience to Coventry, having scored 21 goals in the competition during his four seasons at Nottingham Forest.
The move will see the Nigerian remain in the Premier League while beginning a new chapter with Coventry, who are preparing for their opening fixture against Arsenal on August 21.
