Super Eagles stars Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi face uncertainty at Nottingham Forest, as the club is set for a managerial shake-up, Soccernet.ng reports.
In what is a shocking decision, the club is set to part ways with Portuguese tactician Vítor Pereira, who only took charge in February. He replaced the previous coaching staff after a poor run of games left the team embroiled in a relegation battle.
The former Wolves boss signed an 18-month deal. Upon his appointment, Nottingham Forest's fortunes improved, and they escaped relegation comfortably weeks before the end of the Premier League season. He also guided them to a semifinal finish in the UEFA Europa League.
It was expected that he would lead the club into next season due to his impressive first four months at the helm. However, the club has made a surprising decision to sack Pereira.
According to transfer expert Jacobs Ben, it was a sudden decision, as they had already started plans for the new season together.
Who is Nottingham Forest's New Coach?
Vítor Pereira’s decision to leave Nottingham Forest is a big and sudden change, and one that will likely leave the players shocked. He even admitted that he did no expect it in his farewell message.
“I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone connected with this incredible football club. Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club's right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future,” Pereira said.
Following his exit, Oliver Glasner will now take charge at the City Ground, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. The Austrian tactician is fresh off exiting the Crystal Palace job, where he was highly successful, winning the FA Cup, the Community Shield, and the UEFA Conference League.
Glasner is highly rated in England due to his work with Palace, where he built a well-structured and disciplined side. The Austrian will be expected to do even better at Nottingham Forest, who are looking to become a regular European contender in the Premier League.
What Does This Managerial Change Mean For Super Eagles' Aina and Awoniyi
Nottingham Forest have two Super Eagles stars on their roster—Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi—but both of them have faced opposing fortunes at the club. While Aina is a regular and important player, Awoniyi has been more of a bench warmer due to his constant injury problems.
With Glasner taking over, there will likely be changes to the team, and the two Super Eagles stars could be affected.
Glasner likes to use two quality wing-backs, which means that Aina will have to be a high-flying wing-back next season, putting in the work defensively while consistently pushing forward to aid the attack.
For Awoniyi, who has just one year left on his contract, he could enjoy a bump in playing time, as he fits the profile of striker that Glasner likes. He is big, powerful, works hard off the ball, and is prolific enough to finish chances in the final third. Still, it remains to be seen if the club will sign another striker this summer.
Meanwhile, it is important to note that Glasner coached a Nigerian player last season Christantus Uche, and he did not give the player enough playing time.
Aina and Awoniyi will be hoping that their fortunes improve under their new boss.
