Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi made history in Nottingham Forest's 3-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this evening, Soccernet.ng reports
The former Union Berlin striker was drafted into the Starting lineup for the first time since Vitor Pereira took over, his second start this season, having dropped down the pecking order behind Igor Jesus and Chris Wood.
Still, the Nigerian made sure his impact was felt on his 100th game for the two-time UEFA Champions League winners. Two minutes into the game, the 28-year-old headed home from Dilane Bakwa's cross, putting the ball beyond Robert Sanchez to celebrate his milestone appearance in style.
Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi needed just 2 Mins to stun Chelsea and ignite hope for Nottingham Forest, Ice-cold finish.🇳🇬
Like & repost if you’re backing him 💪 pic.twitter.com/eeKT2laJ6c
— Fondre (@UTDFondre) May 4, 2026
Chelsea started to gain control of the game before Awoniyi threatened their backline again, and had to be fouled by Malo Gusto, leading to a penalty for Vitor Pereira's side.
Brazilian striker Igor Jesus sent his penalty down the middle to double the lead for the away side inside 15 minutes.
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Awoniyi scored the game's third goal in the second half after Morgan Gibbs-White came off the bench. The English midfielder got in behind the Chelsea backline before sending a low cross into his number 9's pass, and the former Liverpool man tucked the ball away.
🚨🇳🇬 GOAL! AWONIYI WITH THE NAIL IN COFFIN AS NOTTINGHAM FOREST BURY CHELSEA AT STAMFORD BRIDGE. 😳🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/onEmn4KvB5
— GNB OFFICIAL (@GHNaijaBallers) May 4, 2026
What Taiwo Awoniyi said after Nottingham Forest's victory
Nottingham Forest have now won all of their last five games across all competitions, moving them closer to top-flight safety as they're six points above the relegation zone.
Awoniyi, despite his displeasure at the limited minutes he's had this term, acknowledged that football is a team game and he's always ready to help the team when called upon.
“For us, it was an important win. Kudos to the team, to the staff. We came here to get three points and I'm so pleased,” the ex-Mainz 05 forward said in his post-match interview.
“That's what Football is about. Sometimes when things are going well, it's all about the team, not just the first eleven. It's also very difficult [being on the bench], but you just have to keep goint.
“We had an amazing start. We had control of the game in the first five minutes and that's what the coach wanted.
“It was also a nice delivery from Dilane Bakwa, and I was just in the right place at the right time. It's all about the team.
“We also have a good goalkeeper in Mats [Sels]. If the ball had gone in [Cole Palmer's penalty], it might have been a different game entirely, but he kept us in it,” Awoniyi continued.
Despite playing just 14 league games this season, the Union Berlin record Bundesliga goalscorer averages a goal every 90 minutes and has urged his team to dream on as they close in on the final of the UEFA Europa League.
“For us as a team, when we look at the whole season, we've been brilliant, looking at how we've turned it around.
“We have a few games left and those are important. We'll take each game as it comes, and then it's unto Villa till the end of the season.
“I can't wait to watch Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson at the World Cup; these guys are amazing players,” the Forest centurion concluded, lauding praise on his English teammates.
Nottingham Forest will travel to Villa Park in three days as they look to edge Aston Villa in the semi-final of the UEFA Europa League, having already secured a slender 1-0 win in the first leg.
