Nottingham Forest coach Sean Dyche has praised Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi following his goal in their 2–0 victory over Brighton on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
On Saturday, Awoniyi ended a dreadful one-year league goal drought after coming off the bench to score the decisive goal that helped his side secure the win against Brighton.
It was a superb strike. The Nigerian forward latched onto a fine pass from Morgan Gibbs-White, burst into the box, shrugged off his markers, and calmly placed a precise finish past Caoimhín Kelleher.
The goal was clearly an emotional moment for the former Union Berlin man, as it effectively sealed all three points for the Tricky Trees.
After the match, Forest boss Dyche expressed his delight at Awoniyi’s goal. He also revealed that he had offered the 28-year-old some advice last week on how to improve and was pleased to see a positive response in his performance.
“He works hard for us and he’s trained well. Funnily enough, I chatted with him last week and reminded him to be free, and he looked free when he came on,” Dyche said.
“It was a very good finish. He’s been knocking on the door, he’s been working hard for the team and he gets a reward with a really good bit of play and a really fine finish.”
What Sean Dyche Said About Taiwo Awoniyi's Intestine Rupture
Last May, Taiwo Awoniyi ruptured his intestine after colliding with the goalposts in a game against Leicester City. The Super Eagles star had to be placed in an induced coma and underwent surgery.
That incident brought the football world to a standstill, and he got a lot of tributes from personalities in the football world.
Eventually, he recovered and returned to football. For someone like Awoniyi, injuries have been a constant since he joined Nottingham Forest in 2022.
But moments like the one on Sunday, when he scored against Brighton are always key reminders of how good he can be when he is fit and at his best.
Coach Sean Dyche spoke about this post-match. And although he noted that he was not at the club when Awoniyi ruptured his intestine, he praised the Nigerian for his fortitude and hardwork.
“I’ve not gone too deeply with him (about his injury in 2025). That’s by the by, you don’t keep reflecting back, or I certainly don’t. I wasn’t here when that went on,” Dyche added.
“I know it was very serious. But just generally, get on with it, just come and enjoy yourself. He had a bit of a soft spell a couple of weeks ago and then he’s come out of it the last week.
“He’s looked sharper and come back to life, let’s say. I had absolutely no doubt in putting him on. I thought, ‘Yeah, absolutely, go and play.”
Despite Awoniyi's goal against Brighton, it is unlikely that he will return to being the first-choice striker at Nottingham Forest. Igor Jesus remains the main man in the attack for the Tricky Trees.
