Taiwo Awoniyi has signed a new three-year contract extension with Nottingham Forest, keeping the Nigerian striker at the City Ground until 2028.
The 26-year-old international’s new deal finally ends speculation about his future following a turbulent 2024/25 season that saw him struggle with injuries and lose his place in the starting XI.
Awoniyi expressed gratitude for the club’s support during his recovery from a serious abdominal injury suffered during a match against Leicester City in May, which required emergency surgery and saw him placed in an induced coma. He has since regained consciousness and is recovering well.
The striker described the contract extension as fresh motivation and said he is determined to give back to the club and fans who supported him through his medical ordeal.
‘This new contract is a fresh motivation for me’, Awoniyi said. ‘I want to give back to the club and the fans who have been incredibly supportive during my recovery’.
Club officials praised Awoniyi’s resilience and contribution, stating that the new deal reflects his importance to the team’s future.
The extension comes as Forest prepare for their first European campaign in nearly three decades, following a strong finish to the 2024/25 season under manager Nuno Espírito Santo that secured a UEFA Conference League slot.
Awoniyi joined Forest from Union Berlin in June 2022 for a then club-record fee of £17 million, with his goals proving crucial in helping the club secure Premier League survival during their first season back in the top flight.
The striker endured a difficult 2024/25 campaign, managing just one league goal and being limited to 893 minutes of Premier League action as he fell down the pecking order.
Despite the challenges, Awoniyi has scored 17 goals in 72 league appearances since his arrival at the City Ground, with his contributions during the 2022/23 run-in proving vital in securing Forest’s Premier League status.
The contract extension follows Forest’s confirmation in June that both Awoniyi and fellow Nigerian Ola Aina would remain at the club next season, despite a squad shake-up that included several departures.
Aina, who joined Forest in July 2023 on a free transfer from Torino, enjoyed a standout season under Espírito Santo, featuring in 35 Premier League matches and starting every game.
The versatile full-back scored twice, provided one assist, and contributed to 11 clean sheets, earning recognition as one of the best full-backs in the league. The club activated a one-year extension clause in Aina’s contract in May.
The striker’s 2022 arrival had raised expectations, particularly after his vital goals during Forest’s successful fight against relegation in their first season back in the Premier League.
While inconsistent form and persistent injuries have hampered his impact over the last two campaigns, with just eight goals scored, Forest believe Awoniyi can rediscover his best form.
