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Anthony Ujah Hails Awoniyi’s Mentality After Forest Comeback Goal
Former Union Berlin striker Anthony Ujah has praised Taiwo Awoniyi’s mentality after the Nigerian forward scored in Nottingham Forest’s crucial 2–0 Premier League victory over Brentford.
Awoniyi’s strike marked a significant milestone in his return from a long injury layoff and came at a vital moment for Forest as they push to move clear of the relegation zone.
Speaking exclusively to Soccernet.ng, Ujah, who played alongside Awoniyi at Union Berlin, said the striker’s impact did not come as a surprise, insisting that fitness is the only thing Awoniyi needs to deliver.
“I’m personally very happy for Taiwo. It has not been an easy time, but one thing I know about him is that all he needs is to be on the pitch,” Ujah said.
“It doesn’t matter what the situation is at the club or the amount of pressure around him — as long as he is fit and on the pitch, he will always deliver.”
The former Super Eagles forward highlighted Awoniyi’s strong character, pointing to the striker’s resilience through a difficult period plagued by injuries.
“He’s a boy I spent a lot of time with at Union Berlin, and I got to know him very well. He has a very strong mentality — very strong,” Ujah added.
“He has been very unlucky with the injuries he has had over the past year.”
Awoniyi has endured a challenging spell since suffering a serious abdominal injury last season, which sidelined him for several months and disrupted his rhythm at Forest. His goal against Brentford, however, served as a timely reminder of his quality when fully fit.
“That alone shows his character and how mentally strong he is,” Ujah continued.
“He is always coming back and always delivering, even when people no longer expect it. Some players find it very difficult to return after long periods out because of pressure and expectations, but all Taiwo needs is to be on the pitch.”
Ujah also stressed that Awoniyi’s performance reaffirmed his credentials at the highest level.
“He has proven over and over again that he is a Premier League player, and I’m glad he showed that again in just a few minutes on the pitch,” he concluded.
