Awoniyi gets accolades despite Forest losing to West Ham

Football legend Steve Hodge raved about Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi live on air on Sunday. The Reds lost 3-2 to West Ham, failing to build on their performance last weekend.

Forest star Awoniyi was back in the goals at The London Stadium. The Nigerian had not scored since August prior to this one but he pounced near half-time yesterday to equalise for the Reds.

The player has only recently returned to action after a groin injury and he’s very important to the team. Awoniyi will now hope to get back on the goal trail on a more consistent basis.

Hodge is seemingly part of the furniture on BBC Radio Nottingham these days. His goal celebrations are usually a joy to behold and he was very impressed with Awoniyi yesterday.

He said :“That’s what a great centre forward does. A tap in from six yards out after a really good move.”

Awoniyi has now scored four times for Forest during 2023/24. He’s probably just about where he should be given how many games he’s played and he will hope to better the 11 he managed last season.

The Reds need to stop throwing points away. This was a real Jekyll and Hyde performance from the Reds and it’s unfathomable that they’ve not left the capital with something for their efforts.

Awoniyi was in fine form for Forest. He finished off a move after Morgan Gibbs-White had seen his shot saved and he will be mightily relieved to be back in the goals.

The 26-year-old brings a physical presence to the team and ultimately the Reds need him fit. Awoniyi will now go away with Nigeria and the hope for Forest that they can return healthy and ready to keep firing for the Reds.

Awoniyi’s compatriot Ola Aina made a quick dash forward after some nice play in midfield and teed up Anthony Elanga, who finished with aplomb in the box to make it 2-1.

However, Forest failed to hold on to their lead, as goals from Jarrod Bowen and Thomas Soucek sealed the 3-2 win for West Ham.