Lampard: Awoniyi joined Coventry City to secure regular playing time

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard says Taiwo Awoniyi moved from Nottingham Forest because the striker wanted more consistent playing time before the 2026/2027 campaign.

The Nigeria international joined Coventry City at the CBS Arena during the summer transfer window after finishing the 2025/2026 season strongly. Awoniyi scored three goals and provided two assists in his final six appearances for Nottingham Forest.

Lampard, speaking before Coventry City’s Premier League opener against Arsenal, said the club were attracted by Awoniyi’s experience in the top flight and the physical qualities he can offer their team.

The former Chelsea manager also recalled Awoniyi’s effectiveness as an opponent, including a goal the striker scored against Chelsea during Lampard’s time in charge at Stamford Bridge.

“In terms of Taiwo, we know him from his Premier League experience. He scored against my team before when I was at Chelsea. I always felt that he is a threat as an opponent,” he revealed.

Coventry City secured promotion to the Premier League and Lampard said their recruitment strategy included bringing in players familiar with the demands of the competition.

“When you look across our recruitment idea, we wanted to bring in Premier League experience. Power and strength, a player that can hold the ball up and I think he is very valuable. ”

Awoniyi previously played for Union Berlin before joining Nottingham Forest. Lampard believes the striker’s decision to move to the newly promoted side was influenced by his desire to play more regularly.

“There is a reason why Taiwo left Nottingham Forest and come to us. We really like him and hope he’s going to be great for us. We are aware of that and I would flip that to the mental side of Taiwo, probably he is frustrated with game time,” he added.

“So, I like a player that is hungry to play and get his minutes, of course, we have to look after him and prepare him. But, I like a player that wanted to be the man and play more minutes. ”

Awoniyi found regular opportunities difficult to secure at Nottingham Forest, with competition from Chris Wood and Brazilian forward Igor Jesus limiting his involvement.

His late-season contribution, however, offered encouragement. The forward’s three goals and two assists in his final six appearances helped him end the 2025/2026 campaign with momentum before making the switch to Coventry City.

Lampard said Coventry City would need to manage Awoniyi carefully while ensuring he is physically and mentally prepared for the demands of the Premier League. At the same time, he made clear that he welcomed the striker’s determination to play a more prominent role.

Awoniyi now has the opportunity to repay Lampard’s confidence when Coventry City begin their league campaign at Emirates Stadium against Arsenal. The Nigeria international will be aiming to rediscover his best form and establish himself as an important player for the newly promoted Premier League side.

His move gives him the chance to seek the regular football that was harder to find at Nottingham Forest, while Coventry City gain a forward with Premier League experience, strength and the ability to hold up the ball.