Awoniyi sends heartfelt message to Steve Cooper after Forest’s exit

Steve Cooper has recently been shown the exit door following Nottingham Forest’s poor run of fun that saw them grab a win in 13 games 

Super Eagles forward, Taiwo Awoniyi, conveyed a heartfelt message to departing manager Steve Cooper following his exit from Nottingham Forest, Soccernet.ng reports.

Cooper's departure comes after a challenging spell for Forest, winning only one of their last 13 matches, leaving them positioned in the bottom four of the English Premier League table.

The Welsh manager, who brought Awoniyi from Union Berlin during the 2022 summer transfer window, received an emotional farewell message from the Nigerian forward.

In his remarks, the Super Eagles attacker expressed gratitude to the former Swansea boss for enabling him to realize his aspirations and bringing out his best.

“Thank you for helping me make my big dream come true and bringing out the best in me. All the very best Gaffer,” he shared on his Instagram.

Under Cooper's guidance, the former KAA Gent forward registered 15 goals and provided three assists in 41 appearances, although injury setbacks hindered his full potential at the club.

Cooper, instrumental in Nottingham Forest's promotion via the Championship play-offs in May 2022, collaborated with club owner Angelos Marinakis in the recruitment of 44 players—including Awoniyi—across three transfer windows.

The club announced that Cooper's successor would be revealed in due course, with former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo reportedly engaged in formal discussions.