Nottingham Forest to pay tribute to injured Taiwo Awoniyi in West Ham clash

By Dayo Awoniyi

Nottingham Forest players will wear special tribute t-shirts in support of injured forward Taiwo Awoniyi when they face West Ham United on Sunday in the Premier League.

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed the gesture during a pre-match press conference, saying the squad remains emotionally affected by the Super Eagles striker’s latest injury setback.

“First, give time and silence for the players to settle down, then deal with the reality. And now prepare the game,” Santo said.

Awoniyi has endured a difficult season marred by injuries, with his latest absence coming as another blow to Forest’s campaign. While he is unlikely to be present at the City Ground for the match, Santo noted that Awoniyi remains at the heart of the team.

“I don’t think T will be able to follow the game. But the players will make their tributes to him, because T means a lot to us and it has been so hard on him this season,” he said.

Santo added that the team is motivated to secure a win in Awoniyi’s honor.

“Honestly, each of us would change everything we achieved this year for T to be here with us. It was a sad moment. They will have t-shirts. All that we can do to pay tribute to T, we will do. Because he deserves it.”

Forest will be aiming for a crucial result against West Ham as the club continues to battle in the bottom half of the Premier League table.