Taiwo Awoniyi: West Ham targets Nigerian striker to address injury crisis

By Wale Mustapha

English Premier League side West Ham United is reportedly considering a move for Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest to strengthen their attacking options amid an ongoing striker crisis.

The Hammers, keen to bolster their front line, are looking to take advantage of Awoniyi’s current situation at Forest, where his role has been limited.

New manager Graham Potter, tasked with turning around West Ham’s fortunes, has made signing a prolific striker a top priority as the club seeks to address its inconsistency. West Ham has won only six of their 20 Premier League matches this season.

Awoniyi’s future at Forest appears uncertain. The Nigerian international has struggled to secure a regular starting spot, with Chris Wood often preferred in the center-forward role.

Awoniyi has started just two of his 15 league appearances this season, managing only one goal.

Despite limited opportunities, Awoniyi’s qualities as a target man have caught the attention of West Ham, who see him as a suitable replacement for the injured Michail Antonio.

Antonio will miss the rest of the season due to a broken leg, further intensifying the need for a reliable striker.

Awoniyi joined Forest from Bundesliga side Union Berlin in July 2022 for a club-record fee of £17 million. However, after battling injuries last season, he has found himself lower in the pecking order under manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

With two and a half years remaining on his contract, Awoniyi may be open to a move that could reignite his career. West Ham’s interest offers the striker a potential opportunity to rebuild his confidence and rediscover his scoring form.