Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi marked his return to Premier League action in style by scoring off the bench to help Nottingham Forest secure a vital 2-0 away win over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday.
Forest took the lead early through a swift counterattack that began with Super Eagles defender Ola Aina. In the 12th minute A great counterattack from Super Eagles defender Ola Aina, who reached the edge of the pitch down the right flank and delivered a low cross into the box for Igor Jesus, who finished from close range to give the visitors the lead.
The match was played at a high tempo but was repeatedly interrupted by stoppages for injuries, with medical staff frequently called onto the pitch. Despite Brentford finishing the half on a stronger note, Nottingham Forest went into the break with a narrow 0–1 lead in a match that was been played with high intensity, but also marked by frequent stoppages due to medical staff coming onto the pitch to attend to injured players.
Brentford pushed for an equaliser after the restart, but Forest remained compact and dangerous on the break. Taiwo Awoniyi was introduced in the 68th minute for Igor Jesus, and the Nigerian striker made an immediate impact.
In the 79th minute A lethal counterattack from Taiwo Awoniyi sealed the win, increasing the lead to 0–2 with a right-footed finish from inside the box following a pass from Morgan Gibbs-White.
The goal was a welcome boost for Taiwo Awoniyi, who has struggled with injuries and form in recent months. His previous Premier League appearance came against West Ham on December 30, 2025. Against Brentford, he had one shot on target, completed all four of his passes, recorded 12 touches and successfully completed two dribbles.
The result was a significant one for Nottingham Forest, who came into the match with just one win in their last eight games. Brentford, on the other hand, had suffered only one defeat in their previous seven matches and were unbeaten in seven consecutive home games before this loss.
Forest’s disciplined performance and clinical finishing on the counterattack proved decisive, with Awoniyi’s late goal putting the seal on a hard earned and morale boosting victory.
