Taiwo Awoniyi has reflected on the memorable moment he scored Nottingham Forest’s first Premier League goal after the club’s long-awaited return to England’s top division.
The Nigerian striker delivered the decisive strike in Forest’s 1-0 victory over West Ham United on August 14, 2022. Awoniyi scored in first-half stoppage time at the City Ground to secure the club’s first league win of the season and their first Premier League goal of the 21st century following a 23-year absence from the competition.
Awoniyi had arrived at Forest from Union Berlin earlier that summer and quickly adapted to life in England. The Super Eagles forward has also shown strong attacking form recently, contributing three goals and two assists in his last five Premier League appearances. His impact during the 2022-23 campaign included another crucial winner against Liverpool later that season.
Looking back at his first Premier League goal for Forest, Awoniyi described the experience as a special milestone in his career.
He said: “for me it was like a dream come true once more scoring my first ever premier league goal, being the first person to score the first premier league goal after being back in the premier league, I think it’s a moment I will never forget, like I said in that moment I was just so happy scoring where I’ve wanted to be”
The goal immediately strengthened his connection with Forest supporters, who had waited decades to celebrate another Premier League campaign.
Awoniyi also recalled his winning goal against Liverpool F.C. in October 2022 as another unforgettable occasion.
Forest defeated Liverpool 1-0 at the City Ground, with the Nigerian striker scoring the only goal in the 55th minute after reacting fastest to a rebound. The moment carried extra emotion because Awoniyi previously spent six years contracted to Liverpool without making a competitive appearance.
Speaking about the match, he said:
”Nottingham Forest 1-0 against Liverpool on October 22, 2022. Scoring against them is a bit of mixed feeling.”
He added: “Unfortunately, I didn’t get to play for them, but scoring for Forest against them, and looking at how much we were looking for the points at that time was something I will never forget as well.”
Awoniyi’s early goals helped Nottingham Forest settle back into the Premier League and created lasting memories during a crucial season.
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