Why Coventry City signed Awoniyi – Ex-Chelsea midfielder

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi recently completed a move to newly promoted Premier League side Coventry City from Nottingham Forest, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian forward had been at Forest since 2022, when he joined the club from Bundesliga side Union Berlin after an impressive spell with the German outfit.

Awoniyi scored 23 goals in 103 appearances for Forest throughout his time at the club. However, he was limited to more of a substitute role in his final few campaigns due to injury and fitness concerns, as well as the arrival of additional attacking options in the team.

Despite having offers from abroad, the 29-year-old opted to remain in England by joining Coventry City rather than starting afresh in a different country.

Awoniyi has now completed a £9 million move to Coventry, becoming the club's sixth signing of the summer as they prepare to return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years.

Frank Lampard explains why Coventry City signed Awoniyi

Coventry City face a difficult start to the 2026-27 Premier League season when they travel to the Emirates Stadium to face reigning champions Arsenal on Friday night.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash, Coventry head coach Frank Lampard revealed that Awoniyi's previous experience in the Premier League was one of the main reasons behind the club's decision to sign him this summer.

“Taiwo, we know him from his PL experience and what he has done at Forest”, the former Chelsea midfielder said, as quoted by Coventry Telegraph.

Lampard also pointed to Awoniyi's physical presence, strength and ability to hold the ball up as qualities that made him an attractive signing for Coventry.

The Coventry boss explained that Awoniyi is a player who can cause problems for defenders because of his size and physique, while his ability to hold the ball up and make runs in behind can be valuable in the Premier League.

“I always felt he was a threat as an opponent. We wanted to bring in some PL experience. Power, strength, a player who can hold the ball up and run behind in the PL is very valuable.”

Lampard also compared Awoniyi with fellow summer signing Sidiki Cherif, who joined the club from Turkish side Fenerbahce, and believes the teenager can learn from the Nigerian striker while developing his own game.

“Sidi is similar to Taiwo but younger. If we can work with him to improve him, he also brings his own attributes.”

Awoniyi will be hoping to play a key role for Coventry in their opening Premier League fixture against Arsenal as he looks to make a strong start to life at his new club.

The Super Eagles striker will also be looking to continue his impressive record against Arsenal as Coventry aim to produce a shock result against the Premier League champions.