Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi lead Nottingham Forest to historic FA Cup semifinals

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigerian duo Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi have made history by helping Nottingham Forest reach the FA Cup semifinals for the first time in 34 years, following a dramatic penalty shootout win over Brighton.

The match, which ended goalless after 120 minutes, saw Forest win 4-3 in the shootout, marking their third consecutive FA Cup penalty triumph after previous victories over Exeter City and Ipswich.

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo made three changes to his lineup, including the return of Aina after international duty with the Super Eagles and a start for Awoniyi, who replaced the injured Chris Wood in attack.

The game saw goalkeeper Matz Sels emerge as the hero for Forest, saving spot-kicks from Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez to keep the visitors in contention.

Brighton thought they had won the match late in extra time when Joao Pedro bundled in Pervis Estupinan’s cross, but the goal was ruled offside, sending the match to penalties.

In the shootout, Brighton missed two penalties, while Forest converted all but one. After Sels’ crucial saves, it was Forest captain Ryan Yates who stepped up to fire the club into the semifinals with a decisive penalty.

This victory ensures Forest’s first FA Cup semifinal appearance since 1991, with Aina and Awoniyi playing pivotal roles in the historic achievement.