Awoniyi back on score sheet, Aina shine in Nottingham Forest loss to West Ham

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi ended his long wait for another Premier League goal just as his his compatriot Ola Aina got an assist in Nottingham Forest’s 3-2 defeat at West Ham on Sunday.

Both Super Eagles’ stars were named in the Forest starting squad for game at the London Stadium as Steve Copper’s men hope to consolidate on their last weekend win over Aston Villa.

Lucas Paqueta struck the opener for West Ham after three minutes.

Awoniyi even the score line with the last touch before the break as he tuck in after Emi Martinez had partied Morgan Gibbs-White’s low shot to his path.

The Tricky Trees went ahead in the 63rd minute when Ola Aina made a quick dash forward after some nice play in midfield before passing to Anthony Elanga, who finished from inside the box to make it 2-1.

David Moyes tutored Hammers fought-back in remarkable fashion to take maximum points.

Jarrod Bowen and Thomas Soucek scored to seal a narrow win for West Ham.

Aina and Awoniyi could not see out the remaining part of the game as they were subbed off for both Serge Aurier and Chris Wood who could not prevent Forest from defeat.

Both players will be heading to Nigeria for the International break as the Super Eagles scheduled to face Lesotho and Zimbabwe in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification games.