As Taiwo Awoniyi’s four years at the City Ground came to a close, Nottingham Forest’s owner made sure his send-off was as warm as the reception he received on arrival.
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Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has paid a heartfelt tribute to Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi following the striker’s permanent transfer to Coventry City, Complete Sports reports.
Awoniyi’s four-year association with Forest officially ended on Monday when he completed his move to Frank Lampard’s side. He had joined the Tricky Trees from Bundesliga club Union Berlin in 2022 and played a central role in helping the club preserve its Premier League status during his debut season, scoring 11 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions that campaign. By the time of his departure, he had racked up 23 goals in 103 outings for Forest.
“He Will Always Have A Special Place”
Writing on the club’s official website, Marinakis said Awoniyi will always have a special place in Nottingham Forest’s history, crediting him as one of the defining figures of the club’s recent journey and someone who gave supporters moments of joy they won’t forget. The Forest owner praised Awoniyi’s strength and positivity in overcoming challenges during his time at the club, and said his passion had made him beloved by everyone connected to Nottingham Forest. Marinakis closed by thanking Awoniyi for his contribution, wishing him well for the future and assuring him he would always be welcomed back as part of the Forest family.
A New Chapter At Coventry
Awoniyi’s move to Coventry comes as the newly promoted club prepares for its first Premier League season in 25 years, with head coach Frank Lampard having personally pushed for the striker’s signature to lead his attack.
📌 Did You Know?
- Awoniyi’s 11 goals in his debut Forest season played a direct role in the club avoiding relegation back to the Championship after their promotion.
- He was part of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets squad that won the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, a triumph that first put him on Liverpool’s radar as a teenager.
- Despite signing for Liverpool at 17, Awoniyi never made a competitive appearance for the club, spending six years out on loan across Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
- Evangelos Marinakis, who penned the tribute, also owns Greek club Olympiacos and has overseen a major rise in Nottingham Forest’s fortunes since taking control of the club.
- Awoniyi turned 29 earlier this month, meaning the Coventry move arrives at what could be considered the peak years of his playing career.
- His 23 goals for Forest across four seasons make him one of the club’s most productive strikers of the post-promotion Premier League era.
- Coventry’s return to the top flight ends a 25 year absence from English football’s highest division.
