Awoniyi says Nottingham Forest’s ‘winning mentality’ for season ‘starts now’ in pre-season

Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi says Nottingham Forest’s victories in the coming Premier League season will be built on the hard work being done in pre‐season after scoring in a 3-0 friendly win over Blackburn Rovers.

The Nigeria international wore the captain’s armband and struck in the second half as Forest cruised past their Championship opponents.

Awoniyi, 28, endured an injury-disrupted campaign last term but ended it strongly, with three goals and two assists in his final six Premier League matches.

Now he believes the foundations for an even better year – the 2026-27 season – are being laid in the summer heat.

‘This is where the winning mentality starts’

Speaking to Forest TV after the match, the former Liverpool striker said he was pleased to score but stressed that performance levels and mindset in July are what will shape Forest’s competitive campaign.

“It feels good and that’s what the preseason is all about, getting the rhythm, ready for the season, and getting goals,” Awoniyi said.

“For me, I always say this, the games we win in the season start from now. This is where you get the bits done because when the season starts, there might be less minutes to do the runs and this is where the winning mentality starts. If you go in to achieve anything, you start from here,” he added.

Forest, who signed Awoniyi from Bundesliga side Union Berlin, have leaned heavily on the Nigerian when fit, with his late-season surge helping to stabilise their Premier League status.

Gruelling conditions but ‘no shortcuts’

Awoniyi admitted the squad have been pushed physically in testing conditions but insisted there can be “no shortcuts” if Forest are to be ready for the opening league fixture of 2026-27.

“It is very hot but at the end of the day, preseason is all about getting fit and getting the minutes. I think we all know this and the goal is just to be ready before the first game and everyone knows it and we just keep going.”

The forward emphasised that the current workload is designed to sharpen players both physically and mentally, ensuring they can cope with the intensity of top-flight football once the season begins.

‘Great and fun to be together again’

Awoniyi also highlighted the togetherness within the squad and praised the club’s backroom staff for fostering a positive environment during their preparations.

“It’s been great with everyone, the coaching staff, nutritionist, and medical staff everyone has been helpful. I think it has been great and fun to be together again and getting to understand each other.”

Forest’s pre-season has been structured to give opportunities across the squad, with coaches keen to build fitness and cohesion as much as results.

Focus on minutes ahead of Vitoria test

Looking ahead to Forest’s next friendly against Vitoria Sport Clube on Sunday, Awoniyi said the primary objective remains ensuring every player builds sufficient match time.

“The game on Sunday is all about getting the necessary minutes and everyone to be ready and ready for the season,” the Nigerian striker concluded.

After a campaign hampered by fitness problems, Awoniyi’s goal against Blackburn and his consistent messaging on mentality underline his determination to play a leading role as Forest aim to compete strongly across all competitions in 2026-27.