In a stirring display of unity and determination, Nottingham Forest secured a vital 2-1 victory against West Ham United, a win that head coach Nuno Espirito Santo passionately dedicated to their sidelined Nigerian forward, Taiwo Awoniyi, Sports247 reports.
The week leading up to the match revolved around Awoniyi’s spirit, with the entire squad rallying behind their teammate who has been absent due to injury.
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The players’ heartfelt tribute came to life on the pitch when they held up Awoniyi’s jersey during their celebrations—a spontaneous idea inspired by the team themselves.
“The whole week was about Taiwo,” said Espirito Santo. “We deeply miss him, not just for his talent but for the energy and spirit he brings to the squad. This win is for him, and we hope to have him back with us soon.”
Forest took an early lead through Morgan Gibbs-White, with Nikola Milenkovic doubling the advantage in the second half. Despite West Ham’s late fightback, Forest held on to secure a crucial three points, keeping their hopes alive in the race for European qualification.
Awoniyi’s impact on the team extends far beyond the goals he scores. His presence is felt in the locker room and on the training ground, making this win a testament to the strong bond shared within the Forest squad.
As they prepare for their decisive final match, Forest’s victory over West Ham serves as a powerful reminder of the team’s resilience and the driving force of their shared passion and respect for one of their own.
