Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi has expressed optimism about his future at Nottingham Forest after scoring a crucial goal to inspire the side to victory over Brentford, stressing he has always believed in his ability to succeed at the Premier League level.
The forward came off the bench in the 68th minute to score his first goal in almost 12 months as Nottingham Forest defeated Brentford 2-0 in a Premier League fixture on Sunday afternoon in London.
The 28-year-old forward has endured a difficult season marked by limited playing time and recovery setbacks. Awoniyi’s campaign was heavily disrupted after he suffered a serious injury last May, rupturing his intestine following a collision with the goalpost during Forest’s 2–2 draw with Leicester City.
Speaking after the match to BBC Radio Nottingham, the Nigerian international reaffirmed his self-belief and commitment to the club.
“For me, I’ve always believed this is where I want to be,” Awoniyi said. “I’ve always believed I’m a Premier League player, no matter what is going on around me. That’s my focus.”
Awoniyi also reflected on the difficult period he has faced over the past year and a half, admitting that injuries and limited involvement have made consistency hard to achieve.
“Unfortunately, with what I’ve been through over the last one-and-a-half years, I’ve not been playing a lot and haven’t been involved. The coach came in and brought me back, which is something I’m happy about.”
