Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi earned words of praise from his manager Vitor Pereira after netting a brace to help Nottingham Forest down Chelsea 3-1 and keep their survival hopes alive, Footynaija.com reports.
Pereira made wholesale changes to his starting XI due to Europa League commitments later this week and this provided ample opportunity for Awoniyi to make his 100th appearance across all competitions for Nottingham Forest.
Often on the periphery at the City Ground this season, Awoniyi grabbed the rare opportunity of a Premier League start with both hands as he scored on either side of the halftime whistle at Stamford Bridge to pile on Chelsea’s misery and put further distance between the Tricky Trees and the relegation zone.
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Speaking after the game, Pereira praised Awoniyi for his contribution to Nottingham Forest’s victory, highlighting the Nigerian’s positive energy despite his limited involvement for the club this season.
“[He brings] everything – Taiwo Awoniyi is a danger player,” the former Wolves boss said, per quotes on Vavel.
“He is not on the list in the Europa League, but we know he will push the defensive line of the opponents because he runs, attacks the space, holds the ball and this is the kind of spirit and the smile and energy we need in this team.”
Awoniyi’s goals strengthened Forest’s position on the Premier League standings, bringing their points tally up to 42 sending them six points clear of the relegation zone with three matches left to play this season.
Attention will now turn to the second leg of their Europa League semifinal against Aston Villa with Nottingham Forest holding a 1-0 cushion from the first leg. Awoniyi, not part of Pereira’s European squad, will be hoping for more opportunities in the Premier League before the end of the season.
