Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi who joined Nottingham Forest for a record fee this month has spoken on the team’s chances this new season and how he hopes to help the team achieve their objectives.

Awoniyi had a spectacular season at Union Berlin in the last campaign, scoring 20 goals in 43 matches.

His move to the Premier League will see him take centre stage at the most watched league despite being a former Liverpool player. Awoniyi will be jeering to make his first Premier League appearance next weekend.

“The Bundesliga is a big league and one of the toughest in Europe, so I’m grateful that I got a chance to play there,” he told The BBC.

“I’ve been through a lot in my career to get here and I know it’s not everyone that will get to fulfill their life ambition. I am here now and I know there will be another young player in Africa who will be dreaming of playing on this stage.

“The hard work starts now and I can’t wait to get started.”

Taiwo Awoniyi also spoke on the impact his presence will have on Nigerians supporting English teams just like Celestine Babayaro and Jay Jay Okocha had on Chelsea and Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League respectively.

“Our fans love to watch and support Nigerians playing in the Premier League and I believe some of them will try to create a Nottingham Forest fanbase, too,

“I know Nigerians like some clubs already, but when you have one of their own and play attractive football, you will automatically get them on your side.

“I believe they will support us, and of course, I have my friends and family who were already waiting for me to play in England. It will be an exciting one for them.”

“The Premier League is very big in Nigeria because of players like Kanu, Okocha, Yakubu, Yobo, Odemwingie and many others who all played here,” Awoniyi added.

“Many people pick their clubs depending on where a Nigerian is playing or teams the family like. We all grew up watching it and love it, and it is actually a dream come true to know that millions will be watching me now.

“I want to give my best all the time and by God’s grace it will help us achieve our goals.”

The 24-year-old joins an exclusive list of Nigerian Players currently plying their trade in the Premier League, including Joe Aribo (Southampton), Alex Iwobi (Everton), Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi (both Leicester City), Frank Onyeka (Brentford).

Advertisement