Taiwo Awoniyi has outlined his ambition to help guide Nottingham Forest into the UEFA Champions League, describing it as the ultimate reward for a season defined by sacrifice and perseverance.
With just three matches remaining in the Premier League, Forest sit sixth in the table and remain firmly in contention for a top-four finish.
Under the leadership of manager Nuno Espírito Santo, the club has exceeded expectations and Nigerian international Awoniyi believes a place among Europe’s elite is now a realistic and deserving objective.
“We gave a lot this season,” Awoniyi said in an interview with Humble Boots. “We made it to the semi-finals of the FA Cup, and personally, I lost some feathers there. So, for all that effort to mean something, the Champions League would be a huge reward.”
Forest’s campaign has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, featuring a memorable FA Cup run that ended at the semi-final stage with a 2-0 defeat to reigning champions Manchester City.
The match left a physical mark on Awoniyi, who suffered a broken nose during the clash. Despite the disappointment, the striker’s determination to finish the season strongly has not wavered.
Awoniyi has played a pivotal role in Forest’s attack throughout the season, combining power, pace and composure in front of goal.
His contributions have helped keep the club in the European conversation and his belief in the team’s potential reflects the growing confidence within the squad.
The upcoming fixture against Leicester City at the City Ground could prove decisive. A win on home soil would not only strengthen Forest’s position in the league table but also serve as a morale boost heading into the final stretch. The atmosphere is expected to be electric with supporters rallying behind their team’s European push.
For Awoniyi and his teammates, the goal is clear: maintain focus, take each game as it comes and continue building on the momentum generated earlier in the season.
Despite a recent dip in form, the unity and fighting spirit within the squad remain evident, qualities that have defined Forest’s resurgence in English football.
The club’s transformation under Espírito Santo has been impressive with tactical discipline and a renewed sense of purpose visible in their performances.
Now, with the finish line in sight, the challenge is to sustain that intensity and seize the opportunity to achieve something truly historic.
For Awoniyi, who has emerged as one of Forest’s most influential figures, the Champions League represents more than just qualification.
It symbolises recognition of the team’s hard work and resilience. It is a vision he and his teammates are determined to make a reality.
With every match carrying enormous significance, Nottingham Forest are braced for a thrilling conclusion to their Premier League campaign. The dream of Champions League football is alive and Taiwo Awoniyi is ready to lead the charge.
