Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo has expressed full confidence in Taiwo Awoniyi’s ability to rediscover his best form, despite the striker’s struggles this season.
Awoniyi has scored just once in 16 appearances for Forest this season, starting only twice and coming off the bench in 14 other matches. The Nigerian forward has played a total of 222 minutes, with his only goal coming in last month’s 3-0 win over West Ham.
“He can absolutely get back (to that previous level). Yes, absolutely. Because he shows it every day,” Nuno said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s trip to Southampton. “He works very hard and we cannot forget the importance of Taiwo to Forest and the history of what he has done for the club.
“I was fortunate enough to see many of the games that Taiwo was involved in and his performance level was very high. I am absolutely confident that he will get back to that.”
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Awoniyi, who played a crucial role in helping Forest secure their Premier League survival two seasons ago, has struggled for regular minutes, with Chris Wood currently preferred up front. However, Nuno remains confident in the Nigerian’s qualities.
“We know the talent and the quality he has. He is a goalscorer,” Nuno said. “He always has an impact, he always has chances. That is what you can say about Taiwo.
“For him, it is confidence and it is another factor – which is minutes on the pitch. Because Chris is doing very well. Taiwo recognises that and is humble enough to know that he has to wait for his moment.
“His moment (currently) is not going to be when he starts, it is going to be when he comes on in the game. He scored against Wolves to close down the game and that is what we want from T.
“He has to be ready, whether it is minute one or minute 90 that he is involved. The other part is mentality. I am sure he is totally focused and committed to the club.”
According to The Athletic, despite Awoniyi’s limited game time, Forest are not considering selling him unless they receive a significantly higher offer than the fee they paid for him two and a half years ago. His contract runs until 2027.
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