Michael Owen Praises Taiwo Awoniyi over ending goal drought

By Monsurah Olatunji

Former Liverpool star Michael Owen has praised Taiwo Awoniyi, describing him as equally talented as Chris Wood, creating a potential selection dilemma for Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo.

Awoniyi, who joined Forest from Union Berlin, has struggled to secure regular starting spots this season due to injuries and the outstanding form of Wood.

However, the Super Eagles forward made an impact when he came off the bench in the 88th minute, scoring his first goal of the season in the dying moments of their 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The goal was especially significant as it marked his first in 11 months, with his last strike coming in February 2024 in a 2-0 win over West Ham.

Meanwhile, Wood continued his fine form by scoring earlier in the match, bringing his tally to 12 goals in 20 appearances this season.

Owen, commenting on the striker situation at Forest, said: “Awoniyi, as you said, he was scoring, banging them in, Chris Wood’s pace only last season, and now he can’t get into the team, understandably so.

“Lovely problems there to have to choose between those two and have the players as well to come on and make a difference. Things are good and they are keeping a lot of their players fit, that’s so important in the game nowadays if you’ve got a fit squad.”

The win against Wolves lifted Nottingham Forest to third place in the Premier League table, marking their sixth consecutive league victory.