Taiwo Awoniyi, Ola Aina and Nottingham Forest will compete in next season’s UEFA Europa League, Soccernet.ng reports.
This development comes after FA Cup winners Crystal Palace failed in their legal battle to overturn a European football ruling, according to The Times.
The decision, confirmed on Monday, means the two Super Eagles stars and Forest could be set for continental action in 2024/25.
Palace had taken their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following a UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) ruling that they did not meet multi-club ownership compliance requirements by the March 1 deadline.
BREAKING: Crystal Palace have lost their CAS appeal and will play in the UEFA Conference League this season.
Nottingham Forest will replace them in the Europa League.
Palace will consider all legal options. pic.twitter.com/nIXb1hBPyR
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 11, 2025
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The South London club, fresh from lifting the FA Cup and edging Liverpool in the Community Shield on penalties, had hoped to retain a Europa League berth.
However, CAS rejected their appeal, leaving Palace with a place in the Europa Conference League instead. The verdict represents a financial and sporting blow, as the Europa League offers higher prize money and greater prestige.
Palace are understood to be reviewing the ruling in detail and are considering whether to pursue further legal avenues, potentially including compensation claims.
Forest, who had initially finished in a Conference League spot after a stuttering end to a rather impressive Premier League campaign, have been handed a major boost. Participation in the Europa League could provide Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad with a lucrative opportunity to attract top players and deepen their squad ahead of a challenging season involving four competitions.
The club has already been busy in the transfer market, sealing deals for Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus from Botafogo, Dan Ndoye from Bologna, and goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
Forest beat away several of Europe’s top clubs to commit Nigeria’s Ola Aina to a new deal. The former Torino and Chelsea defender is now tied to Forest until 2028, with the versatile full-back now set to play a leading role in their European campaign.
The club also fended off interest from Tottenham Hotspur to secure a new contract for creative midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.
Nottingham Forest have also joined Arsenal and Inter Milan in the race to sign Super Eagles and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman. Lookman could be more open to switching to a club that plays Europa League football than one in the Conference League.
Meanwhile, Awoniyi will face stiff competition for the No 9 role from Chris Wood and new arrival Igor Jesus.
However, the former Union Berlin striker’s physical presence and proven Premier League scoring ability mean he remains a key figure in the squad.
Nottingham Forest won the European Cup (now called the UEFA Champions League) back to back in 1979 and 1980 and the club will aim to make another big impact on the continental circuit next season.