Super Eagles duo Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi were in action for Nottingham Forest as the Tricky Trees secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United at The City Ground on Tuesday night, Footynaija.com reports.
The home side got off to a fast start in front of their fans thanks to former United man Anthony Elanga’s 5th minute strike.
Elanga picked up the ball just in front of his own 18-yard box, following a United corner before sprinting down the other end and slotting beyond Andre Onana.
Aina’s injury
However, Tuesday’s win will elicit bittersweet feeling for the Nottingham Forest faithful after watching Aina, another key member of their starting XI, succumb to injury in the first half.
Aina, one of Forest’s most consistent performers this season was making his 30th start in the Premier League for Nuno’s side. The Nigeria international was having a decent day at the office before suddenly going to ground with an apparent injury in the 36 minute.
Aina was unable to shake off his setback and had to be helped off the pitch and down the tunnel. The 28-year-old could potentially be forced to join another key player Chris Wood for a spell on the sidelines.
Awoniyi fails to take his chance
Meanwhile, Awoniyi, once upon a time Nottingham Forest’s go-to striker, was making only his third Premier League start for the Tricky Trees this season courtesy of Wood’s absence.
While the Nigerian striker’s overall performance on the night was too bad, considering United dominated possession for the majority of the game. However, on the rare occasions when he did get a hold of the ball, the former Liverpool man looked far from his best.
Awoniyi registered 29 touches, one touch in the opposition box, three passes into the final third and one blocked shot before being replaced by Ramon Sosa in the 86th minute.
This win takes Forest’s tally to 57 points and keeps them within touching distance of second placed Arsenal (61), who also won against Fulham tonight.