Nottingham Forest head coach, Sean Dyche, has praised Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, following his goal in the club’s 2–0 victory over Brighton on Sunday.
Awoniyi brought an end to a difficult one-year league goal drought after coming off the bench to score the decisive strike that helped Forest secure all three points against Brighton.
The goal was a moment of quality from the Nigerian forward, who controlled a precise pass from Morgan Gibbs-White, powered into the penalty area, held off defenders and calmly guided his finish past Caoimhín Kelleher.
It proved to be an emotional moment for the former Union Berlin striker, as his effort effectively sealed the win for the Tricky Trees.
Speaking after the match, Dyche expressed his satisfaction with Awoniyi’s contribution and revealed he had offered the striker some advice in the build-up to the game, which he felt was reflected in the performance.
“He works hard for us and he’s trained well. Funnily enough, I chatted with him last week and reminded him to be free, and he looked free when he came on,” Dyche said.
“It was a very good finish. He’s been knocking on the door, he’s been working hard for the team and he gets a reward with a really good bit of play and a really fine finish.”
Awoniyi’s journey back to scoring form follows a serious injury setback last May, when he ruptured his intestine after colliding with the goalpost during a match against Leicester City. The incident required surgery, and the striker was placed in an induced coma.
The severity of the injury drew widespread concern across the football community, with messages of support pouring in from players, coaches and fans alike.
After a lengthy recovery, Awoniyi returned to action, though injuries have continued to disrupt his time since joining Nottingham Forest in 2022.
Performances like Sunday’s, however, serve as reminders of the striker’s quality when fully fit and confident.
Dyche also reflected on Awoniyi’s resilience after the match, noting that while he was not at the club during the injury ordeal, he admired the forward’s attitude and work ethic.
“I’ve not gone too deeply with him (about his injury in 2025). That’s by the by, you don’t keep reflecting back, or I certainly don’t. I wasn’t here when that went on,” Dyche added.
“I know it was very serious. But just generally, get on with it, just come and enjoy yourself. He had a bit of a soft spell a couple of weeks ago and then he’s come out of it the last week.
“He’s looked sharper and come back to life, let’s say. I had absolutely no doubt in putting him on. I thought, ‘Yeah, absolutely, go and play.’”
Despite his goal against Brighton, Awoniyi is unlikely to reclaim the role of first-choice striker at Nottingham Forest, with Igor Jesus continuing to lead the line for the Tricky Trees.
