Taiwo Awoniyi’s starting spot rival plays at full power – Ex-Super Eagles star Mikel Obi

Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has praised Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood for his impressive performances in the 2024-25 season campaign, Soccernet.ng reports.

Wood scored the second goal in the Tricky Trees’ 3-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday, taking his Premier League tally to 12 goals in 20 matches.

This performance has solidified his position as Nottingham Forest’s go-to striker. With this, earning praise from former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi on the latest episode of the Obionepodcast. Mikel commended the former Newcastle forward’s brimming confidence in front of goal.

This glowing endorsement comes amid Wood’s battle with his countryman Awoniyi for a starting spot in Espirito Santo’s starting lineup.

Mikel Obi, while analysing Forest’s recent games, singled out Wood’s composed finish in the match against Everton as an example of his current form and self-assurance.

“I saw the goal he scored against Everton; it just shows you a player who is playing with so much confidence,” Mikel said.

Nottingham Forest defeated Everton with a score of 2-nil at Goodison Park, with the former Burnley forward further putting up a brilliant display by opening the scoring and setting up Morgan Gibbs-White.

Speaking further, the former Chelsea star revealed the quality of Wood’s goal, which saw the New Zealand international expertly lob Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

“We know Chris Wood can miss a lot of chances, but the way he took that goal, he just lobbed it over Jordan Pickford. For me, that shows you a striker who is playing at his full power and playing with so much confidence,” Mikel added.

Awoniyi, who has struggled to secure consistent playing time at Nottingham Forest this season, has faced stiff competition from Wood, who has been preferred in recent games by Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Despite Awoniyi’s undeniable talent and his late goal against Wolves that ended his Premier League drought, Wood’s current form could make it even more difficult for the Nigerian international to reclaim a starting role.