‘We saw the qualities’ – Frank Lampard hails Taiwo Awoniyi after stunning Coventry start

Frank Lampard has praised Taiwo Awoniyi after the Nigerian striker marked his first start for Coventry City with a goal and an assist in their 4-2 victory over Plymouth Argyle in the Carabao Cup second round.

Awoniyi took only three minutes to open his Coventry account, showing composure to finish after Caleb Yirenkyi’s sublime flick sent him through on goal. The Super Eagles forward was involved again moments later, setting up Jack Rudoni to double Coventry’s advantage.

Although Plymouth recovered from the two-goal deficit to draw level, Coventry eventually regained control and added a fourth goal to book their place in the next round.

The performance was an encouraging first start for Awoniyi, who joined Coventry from Nottingham Forest and had made his debut as a substitute in the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Lampard impressed by Awoniyi’s impact

Lampard was particularly pleased with the immediate contribution from the 29-year-old, while acknowledging that the striker is still working towards full match fitness.

“I think so. He played some good pre-season minutes at Forest, although probably not so much in his last sort of 10 days before coming to us,” Lampard said in quotes reported by CoventryLive.

The Coventry boss had carefully managed Awoniyi’s introduction since his arrival, giving him minutes against Arsenal before handing him his first start against Plymouth.

The Nigerian responded almost immediately, giving Lampard a glimpse of the attacking qualities Coventry were hoping to add to their squad.

“It was good to get him on the pitch at the Emirates, and then he starts the game tonight, and he gets his goal and an assist,” Lampard added.

‘We saw the qualities’

Awoniyi’s performance could prove significant as he looks to rebuild his fitness and regain the sharpness required for regular competitive football.

His time at Nottingham Forest had been disrupted by limited involvement towards the end of his spell, making his strong start for Coventry an encouraging development for both the player and his new club.

Lampard believes the striker’s display demonstrated exactly why Coventry moved to bring him in.

“I thought we saw the qualities that we brought him here for,” Lampard concluded.

The forward’s return to consistent first-team football will also be closely followed by Nigeria, with the Super Eagles preparing for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

For Awoniyi, however, the immediate priority will be establishing himself at Coventry and turning Tuesday night’s impressive cameo into a sustained run of performances.

He will hope to retain his place in Lampard’s starting XI when Coventry host Hull City at the CBS Arena this weekend.