SUPER Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has confirmed that he plans to continue his career in the English Premier League following reports that linked him with a move away from Nottingham Forest.
The Nigeria international scored his first Premier League goal in just over a year on Sunday, coming off the bench to seal their 2-0 win over Brentford, nine months after suffering a life-threatening injury.
The 28-year-old came on as a substitute in the 68th minute and struck 11 minutes later after a powerful run.
The goal marks a miraculous comeback for Awoniyi, who nine months ago suffered a life-threatening abdominal injury that resulted in a ruptured intestine following a collision with a goalpost against Leicester City.
The severity of the injury led to him being placed in an induced coma last May.
“For me, I’ve always believed this is where I want to be,” Awoniyi told BBC Radio Nottingham.
“I’ve always believed I’m a Premier League player, no matter what is going on around me. That’s my focus.
“Unfortunately, with what I’ve been through over the last one-and-a-half years, I’ve not been playing a lot and haven’t been involved. The coach (Sean Dyche) came in and brought me back, which is something I’m happy about.
“Getting the goal is something I’m happy about. I’ve not been playing for a while so maybe that’s why the goals are not there.”
Awoniyi continued: “I’ve always believed in God. I’ve always believed in myself and I know He will always be there for me, no matter what.
“To be honest, that’s something about me and my family, where I grew up I’ve always said ‘I’ve seen worse’. The only thing that has kept me going is the man up there (God).
“I’ve always believed that He’s always there, no matter what. He is the greatest and holds the key to everything. With things like this, He makes me believe. He will always be there for me.”
Awoniyi’s last competitive goal before Sunday’s strike was on February 2 last year in an FA Cup fixture against Exeter City, one of the only two goals he scored in 32 appearances in all competitions last season.
The other goal was in the Premier League against Wolves on January 6, 2025.