Nottingham Forest dedicates West Ham victory to Taiwo Awoniyi

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nottingham Forest dedicated their 2-1 victory over West Ham United on Sunday to Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who is recovering from a serious injury sustained in last weekend’s draw against Leicester City.

Awoniyi was rushed for abdominal surgery and placed in an induced coma after a collision with the goalpost during the match.

Forest’s emotional tribute to Awoniyi was visible throughout the game. Morgan Gibbs-White, who scored the opening goal, celebrated by holding up a shirt bearing the name of the Super Eagles forward.

Additionally, the entire squad warmed up in T-shirts emblazoned with Awoniyi’s name and number, alongside the powerful message: “We are all with you Taiwo.”

Reflecting on the challenging week, Gibbs-White shared: “The whole week has been tough on everyone. Wednesday was our first day back, and the place was pretty lifeless.

“Everyone was praying and wishing him well. He’s come round on a good path, we’re all wishing him well, and that win today was for him.”

Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo also emphasized the emotional significance of the win.

“Since the beginning of our preparations, ‘T’ was on our minds due to the seriousness of the situation. The boys really wanted to do it for him. That was our final words: ‘Let’s give it a push.’ He is someone we admire, his smile is contagious, and the boys did it for him. We are so proud.”

The win pushed Nottingham Forest into seventh place in the Premier League standings, just one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea, whom they will face on the final day of the season.

The victory also intensified the battle for a coveted Champions League spot, with Aston Villa and Chelsea ahead of them.