Awoniyi receives special Forest shirt after Chelsea heroics amid transfer speculation

Nigeria striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been honoured by Nottingham Forest after reaching 100 appearances for the club, Soccernet.ng reports.

In acknowledging the moment, the Super Eagles forward received a special commemorative shirt during team training on Friday.

The 28-year-old was celebrated alongside teammate Chris Wood, who also recently reached the 100-game mark for the Tricky Trees. Players and coaching staff gathered at the club’s training ground to applaud both forwards after an important period in Forest’s Premier League survival fight.

Awoniyi reached the milestone during Forest’s dramatic 3-1 victory over Chelsea, a match in which the Nigerian delivered one of his best performances of the season. He scored twice, won a penalty and was named man of the match as Forest boosted their hopes of staying in the Premier League.

A few days later, Wood also made his 100th Forest appearance after coming off the bench against Newcastle United. Forest rescued a 1-1 draw late in the game thanks to an equaliser from Elliot Anderson.

Speaking after receiving the commemorative shirt, Awoniyi thanked his teammates for their support throughout the campaign.

“Thank you guys. This would not have been possible without you guys. For all you have done this season, for where we are, for keeping the team in the Premier League.”

Awoniyi nears Forest exit doors?

Awoniyi’s recent improvement in form has come at a crucial stage of the season. After struggling with injuries and inconsistency earlier in the campaign, the former Union Berlin striker has now produced three goals and one assist in his last five matches.

Forest currently sit 16th in the Premier League table on 43 points and still have matches remaining against Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth as they attempt to finish the season strongly.

Despite his recent impact, there remains growing uncertainty over Awoniyi’s future at the City Ground. Reports suggest Forest could be willing to listen to offers this summer as manager Vítor Pereira reshapes his attacking options. The arrivals of strikers Igor Jesus and Lorenzo Lucca are believed to have increased competition for places.

Several clubs across Europe are monitoring the Nigerian international. Former club Mainz 05 are reportedly interested in bringing him back to Germany, where he previously impressed for both Mainz and Union Berlin. In England, Everton and West Ham United are also said to be tracking the striker, while Turkish giants Beşiktaş have also shown interest.

Before joining Forest in 2022, Awoniyi spent years moving across Europe after signing for Liverpool as a teenager in 2015. Loan spells in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands eventually helped him establish himself as a reliable goalscorer, particularly during his successful spell with Union Berlin, where he scored 25 goals in 65 appearances.