Nottingham Forest head coach, Cooper gives update on Awoniyi’s injury

Nottingham Forest  manager, Steve Cooper has shed light on the ongoing efforts to fully restore the fitness of Taiwo Awoniyi, indicating that the Nigerian talent is still in the process of reaching peak condition.

The recent clash against Arsenal saw Awoniyi’s inclusion in the matchday squad, thanks to his successful navigation through a late fitness evaluation. Forest fans watched with bated breath as the Nigeria international took to the pitch, eventually making his mark by netting a crucial goal in the 2-1 encounter against the Gunners at the illustrious Emirates Stadium.

Providing an insight into the team’s upcoming challenges, Cooper unveiled developments on Awoniyi’s fitness, as well as his teammate Moussa Niakhite’s readiness ahead of the impending showdown against Sheffield United on Saturday.

Reflecting on the past week’s strategic maneuvers, Cooper shared, “Both (Awoniyi and Niakhite) have been strategically integrated into the game in different capacities. Last week, Taiwo seized the opportunity to make an impact as he graced the field at Arsenal. It was a calculated risk given his limited training, but sometimes, when the stakes are high and the opportunity arises, you seize it.”