Nuno hopes Awoniyi stays fit

Nottingham Forest coach Nuno Espirito Santo says he hopes Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi stays fit and takes part in their remaining pre-season games, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Super Eagles striker missed their first pre-season game against Chesterfield on Saturday because of a discomfort.

Since joining Nottingham Forest two seasons ago from Union Berlin, the 26-year-old has been unlucky with injuries missing a handful of games for the club.

Awoniyi has been an important player for the Tricky Trees since he joined the club from Union Berlin but the Nigerian has seen his development marred by several injuries.

In his first season at the City Ground Awoniyi missed 17 games because of a groin injury. Despite a fine start in the 2023/24 season, the former Liverpool player sustained an injury in November and was ruled out of action for three months, forcing him to miss the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast early this year.

Again in March, the striker picked up another injury days before the club’s English Premier League fixture against Luton Town. Despite being close to returning to action the 26-year-old suffered a setback but managed to return before the end of the season.

Overall, the Nigerian had missed 35 games out of a possible 76 games across two seasons.

Judging by videos and pictures posted on his social media, Awoniyi seems to have returned to full fitness. Surprisingly, he was not part of Nottingham Forest’s squad during their 3-0 win over Chesterfield on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Nuno revealed that the striker missed the pre-season game because of discomfort but hoped he would stay fit.

“He (Awoniyi) had a problem in the first training session of the week. Let’s see how long it takes,” Nuno said per Nottingham Post.

“It was something in his calf. Unfortunately not (for today). Hopefully, he doesn’t miss too much of pre-season. For all of them, it (pre-season) is important, and more so for Taiwo.”

However, he is expected to make the trip to Spain for a training camp this week as Nuno’s side continue their preparations for the upcoming Premier League campaign.