Taiwo Awoniyi has received an emotional farewell from his Nottingham Forest teammates as the Nigerian forward prepares to begin a new chapter with Coventry City, Trybal News reports.
Awoniyi’s permanent departure from Forest has been confirmed after four memorable years on Trentside, with the striker receiving a heartfelt send-off from his teammates and the City Ground faithful before the second half of Forest’s 2-0 victory over Stade Brestois 29.
The 28-year-old joined Forest in 2022 after an impressive spell with Union Berlin and quickly established himself as an important figure in the club’s return to the Premier League.
He scored on his home debut against West Ham United and became a key figure in Forest’s battle for survival during his first season, scoring six goals in the final four matches, including the memorable winner against Arsenal that secured Premier League status.
Awoniyi went on to make 103 appearances for the Reds, helping the club progress from Premier League survival to European football.
His importance to the club, however, extended beyond what he produced on the pitch.
Fellow Nigerian and Forest teammate Ola Aina paid tribute to Awoniyi’s character and the role he played in helping him settle at the club.
Thank you for being you, thank you for always being the positive shining light that you are, Aina said. Especially when I first joined the club, you were a familiar face, so you made me feel welcomed and settled me into the club very well.”
Aina admitted that Awoniyi’s departure would be difficult.
I’m gonna miss you so much, bro, he added, wishing his compatriot well in the next stage of his career and hoping they can continue playing together for Nigeria.
Awoniyi’s close relationship with his teammates was also reflected in Morgan Gibbs-White’s emotional farewell.
T, bro, from the moment you joined and I think till forever, I will always love you, Gibbs-White said. I will always love your personality, the way you carry yourself.”
Gibbs-White praised Awoniyi for being a positive influence in the dressing room regardless of his circumstances.
No matter what is going on in your life, no matter if you’re playing, if you’re not playing, you always made sure the mood in the dressing room was happy with your personality, he said, describing Awoniyi as a lovely, lovely humble guy.”
The England international also reflected on one of their most memorable moments together, Awoniyi’s decisive goal against Arsenal in 2023, which Gibbs-White assisted.
That season was so special in so many ways and I think that season sort of cemented our relationship, he said. You’ve been nothing but a brother to me. You’ve always been there when I needed you.”
Gibbs-White believes Awoniyi now deserves the opportunity to start a fresh chapter.
You really deserve to go and spread your wings,” he said.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis also paid tribute to the Nigerian, describing Awoniyi as one of the defining figures in the club’s recent journey.
Taiwo will always have a special place in the history of Nottingham Forest, Marinakis said. He has been one of the defining figures in our journey and given our supporters moments of great joy that will never be forgotten.”
He embraced this Club from the first day and his passion and character are why he is so loved by everyone connected to the Club.”
As Awoniyi was lifted into the air by his teammates in front of the Forest faithful, the emotional scenes at the City Ground brought an end to a significant chapter of his career.
He now leaves for Coventry City with the gratitude of his teammates, the respect of his club and the affection of the Nottingham Forest supporters.
