“Doing well” – Sean Dyche provides injury updates on Super Eagles star; can he make AFCON 2025?

Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has confirmed that Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has started working on the grass and is close to returning to action, Soccernet.ng reports.

Awoniyi has spent the last two weeks on the sidelines due to a knock. After a tough start to the campaign, he had finally started getting consistent minutes, so the injury put a spanner in the works for him.

​That knock has kept the striker out of the Tricky Trees' last two games against Brighton and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, it appears that the Super Eagles star is set to make his return.

​Ahead of Nottingham Forest's Premier League game against Everton on Saturday, manager Dyche revealed that Awoniyi has resumed training on the grass and is doing well in his recovery process.

Our first trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday. ️ pic.twitter.com/VJIyPsVunq

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 4, 2025

“Taiwo Awoniyi is on the grass doing well. Douglas Luiz is close to being back with us,” Dyche said, per Jak Netting.

Judging by Dyche's comments, Awoniyi could be back in action as early for next week for Nottingham Forest.

Super Eagles: Can Taiwo Sneak Into The 2025 AFCON Squad?

If Taiwo Awoniyi returns to action for Nottingham Forest soon, then he will be fit enough for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations later this month.

He has already been named in the provisional 55-man squad for the competition. However, it is highly unlikely that he will be selected in the 28-man squad for the competition.

He has struggled badly at Nottingham Forest this year. He has spent more time out of the team than on the team. His fitness can't be relied upon, as he has suffered many injuries this year.

Moreover, there are other strikers like Tolu Arokodare, Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Akor Adams, and Paul Onuachu, who are faring better at their clubs.

Even if Awoniyi is certified fit next week, it will be a big surprise if he makes the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 AFCON.