Super Eagles stars Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina face relegation at Nottingham Forest as the club has been docked four points by the Premier League for breaching profitability and sustainability rules, Soccernet.ng reports.
Awoniyi and Aina have had a tough start to the year after a decent start to the season. They have registered six wins, and seven draws from 29 games this season. Because of their poor turn of results, the club also let go of long-serving coach Steve Cooper.
However, the results have not improved. Nigerian stars Aina and Awoniyi have also struggled with multiple injuries this season.
Unfortunately for the Nigerian players, their woes have been compounded, as the Premier League have officially announced a four-point deduction for the club.
What exactly did Nottingham Forest do to warrant the deduction?
According to the rules, Premier League clubs are only allowed to lose at most £35 million per campaign, with a total of £105 million for three years. However, Nottingham Forest's maximum was set at £61 million since they just got promoted to the Premier League last season.
However, they went above that threshold. In the last three years, Nottingham Forest have lost £95 million. They averaged £3m across 2020 and 2021, lost £40m in 2022, and lost £52m in 2023.
According to the FA's release per the BBC, Forest were supposed to be slapped with a six-point deduction, but after “early pleas” and “cooperation,” they were handed a four-point deduction. This ensures they now have 21 points in the Premier League, one point away from safety. However, Nottingham Forest are expected to appeal the decision.
What is the fate of Awoniyi and Aina?
Everton experienced the same predicament this season, but it only spurred them on as they went on a good run, and exited the relegation zone. The onus lies on Nuno Espírito Santo to turn the tide around at Nottingham Forest.
Aina has been decent this season, and if he is fully fit, he could be key for the club in their fight to escape relegation.
Also, Awoniyi had a great finish to last season. The club would expect him to bring something similar to that this season and prove his importance. If both players fail to deliver as the season nears its home stretch, they could be playing in the English Championship by next season.
