Nottingham Forest head coach denies Awoniyi exit talks, backs Super Eagles striker to hit top form

Nottingham Forest head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, has shunned exit talks concerning Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, backing him to score more goals, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old forward has struggled for minutes with Forest in the English Premier League season. With the Reds flying high in the league, it is without a doubt that the man who used to score goals for them will somewhat feel left out.

With Chris Wood at the peak of his career, Awoniyi has had to play second fiddle at the City Ground. Despite his lack of playing time, the former Union Berlin has suitors, most notably Graham Potter’s West Ham United.

Addressing the news about Awoniyi’s potential January move away from Nottingham Forest, Nuno Espirito Santo shunned talks of a possible transfer. Instead, the former Tottenham Hotspur manager praised the Nigerian.

“Taiwo came on late in the game (against Liverpool), having played very well in the previous game against Luton. We hope that he progresses with his fitness level because we know the talent and the quality he has. He is a goalscorer. He always has an impact, he always has chances. That is what you can say about Taiwo. Is there something I do not know? Are there rumours?,” the Portuguese gaffer said in quotes revealed by Nottingham Post.

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Espirito Santo also revealed the desire and commitment of the former Union Berlin man and backed him to return to goalscoring form.

“He can absolutely get back [to that previous level]. Yes, absolutely, because he shows it every day. He works very hard and we cannot forget the importance of Taiwo to Forest and the history of what he has done for the club. I was fortunate enough to see many of the games that Taiwo was involved in and his performance level was very high. I am absolutely confident that he will get back to that.”

“It is fitness, it is confidence and it is another factor – which is minutes on the pitch, because Chris [Wood] is doing very well. Taiwo recognises that and is humble enough to know that he has to wait for his moment.

“His moment (currently) is not going to be when he starts, it is going to be when he comes on in the game. He scored against Wolves to close down the game and that is what we want from Taiwo. He has to be ready, whether it is minute one or minute 90 that he is involved. The other part is mentality. I am sure he is totally focused and committed to the club,” the former Wolverhampton Wanderers coach concluded.

Away from Awoniyi, Forest also face problems regarding the future of Super Eagles defender, Ola Aina. The former Chelsea man will become a free agent in six months, and has interest from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and AS Roma.

Nonetheless, Forest are flying high and defying the odds of many in the English top-flight. They’re currently second on the English Premier League table, on the same points with Mikel Arteta‘s Arsenal.

The Reds continue their league campaign tomorrow when they welcome Joe Aribo‘s Southampton to the City Ground.