Nottingham Forest have confirmed their squad for the UEFA Europa League, but one major talking point has been the omission of Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi, Footynaija.com reports.
Awoniyi, 28, has been a key player for Forest since joining from Union Berlin in 2022, scoring memorable goals against West Ham, Liverpool, and Arsenal. His absence from the squad list has raised questions about his role under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, as the club prepares for its first European campaign in nearly three decades.
Forest’s European return is a major milestone, yet the omission of one of their record signings from the 23-man squad reflects a shift in the team’s attacking options.
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As revealed by the official Nottingham Forest website, the confirmed list includes Ola Aina, Morgan Gibbs-White, Douglas Luiz, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Igor Jesus, and Chris Wood, but Awoniyi’s name is absent.
The striker’s exclusion comes as reports from Football Insider suggest he is one of the players attracting interest from abroad. Saudi Pro League clubs and teams in Turkey remain possible destinations, with their transfer windows still open.
Awoniyi’s position at Forest has weakened following the summer arrivals of Kalimuendo and Igor Jesus. Both are younger forwards who have been handed opportunities, while Chris Wood continues to provide experience in the squad. With Nuno now favouring a refreshed attacking line, Awoniyi has dropped to fourth-choice striker.
The Nigerian forward, who has 10 caps and a handful of goals for the Super Eagles, endured a difficult spell earlier this year after suffering an abdominal injury in a league match against Leicester City. He underwent surgery but made a full recovery. His story was seen as a comeback tale, but the latest developments suggest his chapter at Forest could be nearing its end.
