Super Eagles star Taiwo Awoniyi's absence could cost Nottingham Forest their Premier League status according to some recent numbers
Nottingham Forest is currently experiencing a stark statistical reality, revealing a profound dependency on the striking prowess of Super Eagles star Taiwo Awoniyi.
Awoniyi's Impact on Nottingham Forest's Performance
The Nigeria international has struggled with fitness for most of the 2023/24 season and his absence from the Nottingham Forest side has exposed his incredible value to the Tricky Tees in the Premier League.
12:32 - 15.12.2023
Nottingham Forest boss gives update on injured star Taiwo Awoniyi
Steve Cooper has given a fresh update on injured Nottingham Forest and Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi
21:45 - 01.12.2023
With Awoniyi sidelined, are the Super Eagles another Osimhen injury from AFCON disaster?
Despite the surfeit of Jose Peseiro’s centre-forward options, only Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi offer a significant degree of physicality many observers reckon is needed to thrive on the continent. Losing the Napoli striker before January would be far from ideal.
In the nine Premier League games where Taiwo Awoniyi has not been included in the starting lineup for Nottingham Forest this season, the club has failed to win even once, managing to secure only three draws while suffering six defeats (D3 L6). This statistical downturn accentuates the significant impact that Awoniyi has on the team's performance.
Nottingham Forest's Struggles Without Awoniyi
Nottingham Forest's winless streak in games where Awoniyi has not started underscores the challenges the team faces when the striker is not on the pitch. The lack of victories in these matches has become a cause for concern, especially considering the Super Eagles forward’s recent struggles with niggling injuries.
Since Awoniyi’s most recent setback with an injury that required surgery, Nottingham Forest have failed to win in five consecutive Premier League matches, losing four times in that run.
Nottingham Forest with Awoniyi in the Starting XI
A closer look at Nottingham Forest's points tally reveals a striking correlation between Taiwo Awoniyi's presence in the starting XI and a positive points return for the Tricky Tees.
Of the 14 points that Nottingham Forest have accumulated this season, 11 were secured when Awoniyi was part of the initial lineup.
This includes all three of Nottingham Forest's wins in the current campaign, emphasizing the pivotal role played by the Nigerian striker.
Taiwo Awoniyi's influence extends beyond mere statistics; it permeates the team's style of play, their ability to create goal-scoring opportunities, and overall cohesion on the field.
His absence from the starting lineup appears to have a palpable effect on Nottingham Forest's ability to secure positive results.
Can Nottingham Forest survive the drop without a fit Awoniyi?
As Nottingham Forest navigates the challenges of the Premier League season, the club's management and fans alike will undoubtedly be considering strategies to cope without Awoniyi, since they find themselves dangerously close to the relegation zone as the season reaches its business end.
Whether through tactical adjustments or ensuring the striker's consistent presence in the starting lineup, addressing the team's dependence on Awoniyi may prove pivotal to their aspirations in the top-flight competition.
Related content
22:34 - 16.12.2023
Super Eagles-eligible forward Elijah Adebayo sets Premier League milestone with Luton
Despite the amount of attacking talent in the Super Eagles squad, more strikers of Nigerian descent continue to make their mark in Europe's top leagues and push for a place in the national team
12:32 - 15.12.2023
Nottingham Forest boss gives update on injured star Taiwo Awoniyi
Steve Cooper has given a fresh update on injured Nottingham Forest and Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi
20:00 - 14.12.2023
FOOTBALL Nigeria superstar Asisat Oshoala reveals what inspires her colourful hairstyles
Nigeria striker and six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala has explained the reason she spots different bright-coloured hairstyles
12:34 - 14.12.2023
2 Victor Osimhen records that might never be broken by African players
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is making his claim as one of the greatest goalscorers to come out of Africa after setting two Serie A records that would be nearly impossible to surpass
01:35 - 14.12.2023
Amuneke-Osimhen saga: 5 things to know about Super Eagles legend picking Salah above his compatriot
Everything you need to know about the CAF Awards saga involving POTY Victor Osimhen and Super Eagles legend Emmanuel Amunike.
15:26 - 13.12.2023
Victor Osimhen is now bigger than JJ Okocha after CAF Awards — Nigerian journalist claims
Following the CAF Men's Player of the Year triumph over Mohammed Salah and Achraf Hakimi, a renowned Nigerian journalist claimed Victor Osimhen has surpassed JJ Okocha's legacy in Nigerian football.
17:33 - 12.12.2023
I'm playing for money now — Nigerian player Abu Azeez on his move to Bangladesh
Nigerian Beach soccer legend Abu Azeez has left the NPFL for Bangladesh Premier League and he raves about the vastly improved welfare he is enjoying.
16:44 - 12.12.2023
I never picked Salah over Osimhen — Emmanuel Amuneke clears the air on CAF Awards
Former Barcelona forward Emmanuel Amuneke has come out to clear the air after receiving heat for seemingly picking Salah over Osimhen for CAF Awards.
11:24 - 12.12.2023
Boy from Olusosun Street - Asisat 'Agba Baller' Oshoala's epic reaction to Osimhen's historic CAFAwards2023 night
Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala and Victor Osimhen were the biggest winners at the CAFAwards2023in Morocco.