COVENTRY, ENGLAND — Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi has expressed his excitement about joining newly promoted Premier League side Coventry City after completing a reported £9 million permanent transfer from Nottingham Forest.
The 29-year-old forward officially completed the move on Monday, bringing an end to his time at Forest and opening a new chapter with a Coventry side preparing for its return to England’s top flight. Reuters also confirmed the transfer, reporting that the deal was worth approximately £9 million.
Awoniyi’s arrival has generated considerable attention in Nigeria and among Coventry supporters, with the club looking to strengthen its squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign. The striker is expected to provide additional attacking quality and experience as Coventry prepares to compete against some of the strongest teams in English football.
Speaking after the move, Awoniyi conveyed his enthusiasm about beginning life at his new club. His excitement comes after several seasons at Nottingham Forest, where he became an important figure during the club’s return to the Premier League.
The Nigerian joined Forest in 2022 and went on to make more than 100 appearances for the club. His physical strength, pace and ability to operate as a central striker made him a significant part of Forest’s attacking options, particularly during important periods of their Premier League campaigns.
His departure was marked by an emotional farewell at Forest, with the club giving the striker a guard of honour. Forest manager Oliver Glasner said Awoniyi deserved the send-off, acknowledging the contribution he made during his time at the club.
Awoniyi leaves Forest having built a strong relationship with supporters. His time at the City Ground included important goals and memorable performances, although injuries also interrupted his progress and limited his consistency at various stages.
The move to Coventry now gives the striker an opportunity to establish himself again in the Premier League and potentially play a more prominent role in a newly promoted side. Coventry manager Frank Lampard has been strengthening his squad ahead of the club’s return to the top flight, and Awoniyi represents another experienced option in attack.
Coventry secured promotion to the Premier League last season and will now face the challenge of competing against established top-flight teams. The club’s recruitment strategy has focused on building a squad capable of surviving the demands of the Premier League, with Awoniyi becoming one of the latest additions.
His arrival could prove particularly important as Coventry manages its attacking options. The club already has forwards including Ellis Simms and Haji Wright, but competition for places is expected to increase as the season progresses.
Awoniyi’s move also comes at a significant point in his career. After experiencing periods of impressive form at Forest alongside difficult spells caused by injuries, the transfer provides him with a fresh opportunity to regain consistency and demonstrate his quality at the highest level.
Coventry’s Premier League campaign is set to begin against reigning champions Arsenal on August 21, providing an immediate test of the newly promoted side’s ambitions. Awoniyi’s experience of Premier League football could prove valuable as Coventry attempts to make a strong start to the season.
For the Nigerian international, the move represents more than a change of club. It offers an opportunity to start afresh, contribute to Coventry’s survival ambitions and establish himself as a key attacking figure once again.
Forest supporters, meanwhile, have expressed mixed emotions over his departure, with many acknowledging his contribution to the club while wishing him success at Coventry. His exit closes one chapter, but his move to a newly promoted Premier League side creates another potentially significant stage in his career.
With the transfer now completed, attention will turn to how quickly Awoniyi settles into Lampard’s squad and whether he can translate his Premier League experience into goals and performances for Coventry. For the Nigerian striker, the message is clear: a new challenge has begun, and he appears ready to embrace it.
