Taiwo Awoniyi’s relief was unmistakable after Nottingham Forest’s 2-0 victory at Brentford, a match that marked a deeply personal milestone for the Nigeria striker. More than a year since his last Premier League goal, Awoniyi finally returned to the scoresheet, closing a chapter defined by pain, patience and persistence.
The goal carried added weight given what the forward has endured since May, when a violent collision with a goalpost left him with a ruptured intestine and required two major surgeries.
His recovery was lengthy and uncertain, stripping him of rhythm, continuity and, at times, visibility within the squad. Yet, as Forest secured three valuable away points, Awoniyi’s words afterwards revealed a mindset anchored in belief rather than frustration.
Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham, Awoniyi underlined his conviction that he belongs at the highest level. He said: “For me, I’ve always believed this is where I want to be. I’ve always believed I’m a Premier League player, no matter what is going on around me. That’s my focus.”
That belief was tested during a prolonged absence from regular action, but Awoniyi credited the arrival of head coach Sean Dyche for restoring his confidence and involvement.
He acknowledged how difficult the past 18 months had been, admitting that limited minutes inevitably affected his output in front of goal. Still, the strike against Brentford felt like a release, both professionally and emotionally.
“Getting the goal is something I’m happy about. I’ve not been playing for a while so maybe that’s why the goals are not there,” he said.
Beyond football, Awoniyi spoke openly about the faith that sustained him through his darkest moments. He explained how his upbringing and family values shaped his resilience, repeatedly returning to belief in God as his source of strength.
“I’ve always believed in God… The only thing that has kept me going is the man up there,” he said, adding that his faith helped him maintain perspective during adversity.
