Awoniyi Receives Emotional Forest Farewell Ahead of £17m Coventry Move

By Dorcas Francis Koji

Taiwo Awoniyi received a warm farewell from Nottingham Forest players, staff and supporters on Sunday as the Nigeria international prepares to complete a reported £17 million transfer to newly promoted Premier League club Coventry City.

Awoniyi’s impending departure was confirmed as Coventry continue to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to England’s top flight.

The Sky Blues agreed a deal worth around £17 million for the 29-year-old striker on Saturday and are expected to complete the transfer before their Premier League opener against Arsenal on Friday.

After four seasons at the City Ground, Awoniyi was given a guard of honour as Nottingham Forest concluded their 2026 pre-season preparations with a 2-0 victory over Stade Brestois 29.

The farewell marked the end of an important chapter in the Nigerian striker’s career.

Awoniyi joined Forest from Union Berlin in 2022 for a reported £17.2 million, becoming the club’s then-record signing.

During his time at Forest, he scored 23 goals in 103 appearances, playing an important role in the club’s return to the Premier League and subsequent campaigns.

However, the striker found his opportunities increasingly limited, falling behind Chris Wood and Igor Jesus in the pecking order. He was also left out of Forest’s Europa League squad last season.

Awoniyi made just three starts during the previous campaign, scoring four goals in 17 appearances across all competitions.

His career was also interrupted by a serious injury in May 2025 when he was placed in an induced coma after suffering a ruptured intestine following a collision with a goalpost during Forest’s match against Leicester City.

Despite the difficult periods, Awoniyi leaves Forest with the respect and appreciation of the club’s supporters as he prepares for a fresh challenge with Coventry.

Coventry are returning to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years and have been highly active in the transfer market as they prepare for life back in the top flight.

The club have strengthened their squad with the arrivals of Gus Hamer from Sheffield United, goalkeeper Carl Rushworth from Brighton, winger Loum Tchaouna from Burnley, defender Aurele Amenda from Eintracht Frankfurt and Ghana international Caleb Yirenkyi from Nordsjaelland.

Awoniyi’s arrival is expected to provide further attacking options for manager Frank Lampard, particularly with striker Haji Wright currently injured.

Lampard currently has Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms as his available recognised striking options ahead of the opening-day clash with Arsenal.

Awoniyi will also reunite with fellow Nigerian Frank Onyeka at Coventry after the midfielder joined the newly promoted side from Brentford following an impressive loan spell in the Championship last season.

The reunion could provide an additional boost for the Nigerian contingent at Coventry as the club prepare to face the challenge of Premier League football.

For Awoniyi, the move offers an opportunity to revive his career, rediscover his best form and establish himself once again as a key striker at the highest level of English football.