AFCON 2025
Nigeria international striker Taiwo Awoniyi is set to leave Nottingham Forest for newly-promoted Premier League side Coventry City, with a deal in place for the 29-year-old, according to reports.
Awoniyi is expected to complete a medical before the transfer is finalised, bringing an end to his four-year spell at the City Ground.
The striker joined Forest from Union Berlin in the summer of 2022 for a then club-record £17.2 million (€20m) fee, signing a five-year contract. He made an immediate impact, scoring 10 Premier League goals in 27 appearances during his debut campaign, including crucial winning goals against Liverpool and Arsenal as Forest battled to retain their top-flight status.
However, injuries have significantly disrupted his time at the club. Awoniyi suffered a serious abdominal injury in May 2025 after colliding with a post during Forest’s match against Leicester City. He underwent surgery and was placed in an induced coma as part of his recovery before returning to action in October.
Despite returning to fitness, Awoniyi has struggled to secure regular playing time, with Chris Wood and Igor Jesus ahead of him in the Forest attack. He made just 18 appearances across all competitions last season, starting only three Premier League matches.
He still produced important moments, scoring twice and providing an assist in Forest’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in May, while also finding the net in the 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Overall, Awoniyi scored 23 goals in 103 appearances for Nottingham Forest.
A move to Coventry would offer the Nigerian a fresh opportunity for regular first-team football, while providing Frank Lampard’s side with a striker who already has considerable Premier League experience.
Coventry are preparing for their first Premier League campaign in 25 years and have been particularly active in the transfer market, breaking their club-record transfer fee three times this summer as they strengthen their squad for life in the top flight.
For Awoniyi, the move represents an opportunity to revive his career after a difficult period at Forest and play a more prominent role in Coventry’s fight for Premier League survival.
