Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has praised Taiwo Awoniyi after the Nigerian striker scored his first goal in nearly a year to seal a crucial 2-0 victory over Brentford.
The win moved Forest further clear of the relegation zone, restoring a five-point cushion over 18th-placed West Ham.
Forest took the lead after 12 minutes when Igor Jesus finished calmly, with Ola Aina providing the assist.
Awoniyi was introduced in the 68th minute and made an immediate impact, scoring Forest’s second goal 11 minutes from time to secure all three points.
The Nigerian international produced a brilliant individual run into the box before slotting the ball home, marking his first goal for the Tricky Trees since February 11, 2025, when he scored in a 2-2 draw against Exeter.
Speaking after the match, Dyche was full of praise for the striker’s perseverance and attitude.
“We are absolutely buzzing,” Dyche said. “He works hard for us, and he’s trained well. Funnily enough, I chatted with him last week and reminded him to be free, and he looked free when he came on.
“It was a very good finish. He’s been knocking on the door, he’s been working hard for the team, and he gets a reward with a really good bit of play and a really fine finish.
“He had a bit of a soft spell a couple of weeks ago, and then he came out of it last week. He’s looked sharper and come back to life, let’s say.
“I had absolutely no doubt in putting him on. I thought, ‘Yeah, absolutely, go and play.’”
Awoniyi’s timely return to the scoresheet underlined Forest’s renewed confidence as they continue their fight to secure Premier League survival.
