Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United: Super Eagles star could lead the line for Nuno’s Tricky Trees

Super Eagle striker Taiwo Awoniyi could lead the line for Nottingham Forest when they face Manchester United on Tuesday with Chris Wood struggling with an injury, Soccernet.ng reports.

Awoniyi has lost his place as the first-choice striker due to his constant injury problems. The Super Eagles star used to be the main man at the club when he first arrived, but Wood took advantage of his injury problems, displacing him at the start of the campaign.

Wood has been incredibly prolific for the Tricky Trees this season, supplying 18 goals and three assists in 29 Premier League games. But the New Zealand striker has been dealing with a hip problem since last week, and that kept him out of Nottingham Forest’s game against Brighton last weekend.

Super Eagles striker Awoniyi started that game and although he failed to score, he had a decent performance as the Tricky Trees won the fixture on penalties.

Now it seems that Awoniyi will get another chance to lead the line for the Tricky Trees on Tuesday against Manchester United. This is as coach Nuno Espirito Santo has revealed that Wood is yet to reach full fitness.

 

“Let’s wait and see (how Wood recovers). It is going to be day by day [that] we have to assess him. It is all about the pain he has. It was a big impact on his hip and it is very painful,” Nuno said, per Stretty News.

“We have to assess him. We are gutted that Chris is not here with us. I cannot answer that [if Wood will be fit to play United]. I don’t know, I’m not sure. It is going to be day by day.”

Wood’s injury presents Awoniyi with a golden opportunity, as a goal or two against Manchester United, especially if it helps Forest win, would give Nuno a serious selection headache.

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi (Photo credit: Imago)

Awoniyi has to grab this opportunity with both hands

Taiwo Awoniyi has to grab this opportunity with both hands by scoring against Manchester United on Tuesday.

Even if he scores, the Super Eagles striker has to put up a string of performances on or from the bench. There are already talks that he could leave Nottingham Forest in the summer.

But if he ends the campaign well, he could keep his place at Nottingham Forest.

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

“Extra boost” – Genk’s Tolu Arokodare enjoying aftereffects of Super Eagles call-up

Super Eagles and Genk striker, Toluwalase Emmanuel Arokodare, has revealed that his football has improved… Read More

40 minutes ago

Saka, Musiala, Olise – The 10 most valuable players who could have played for Nigeria

Nigeria have long been a breeding ground for top footballing talent, producing stars such as… Read More

1 hour ago

Nathan Tella: Xabi Alonso issues Super Eagles star’s injury update

Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella will have to undergo a late fitness test to be… Read More

3 hours ago

Super Eagles defender outshines Man City, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace stars as FA Cup’s top dribbler

Super Eagles fullback Ola Aina has emerged as the most prolific dribbler across this weekend's… Read More

3 hours ago

Watch: Swedish goalie joins skales’ ‘shake body’ trend after Yamal, Nico Williams

Swedish goalkeeper Simon Gudmundsson has become the latest footballer to join Skales' viral ‘Shake Body’… Read More

5 hours ago

Champions League top 50 dribblers: Nigerian forward joins AC Milan’s Leão, Barcelona’s Yamal

Ademola Lookman’s impressive season in Europe has been underlined by his inclusion in the top… Read More

7 hours ago