While Forest’s regular starter Chris Wood has bagged seven goals so far in the 2024/25 season, Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has yet to score in his two starts for the Reds. However, this may be a blessing in disguise, according to Forest legend McGugan.
Lewis McGugan, a former Nottingham Forest midfielder, has offered a fresh perspective on Taiwo Awoniyi’s limited playing time with the Reds.
Despite a strong showing last season, Awoniyi has made just two appearances across all competitions for Forest in the 2024/25 season. The Super Eagles striker has been playing second fiddle to Chris Wood, who has scored seven goals for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. Despite the clear difference in performance and importance between the two strikers, McGugan sees this situation as a potential blessing in disguise for Awoniyi.
“We’re in such a good place with Chris Wood; it takes the pressure off Taiwo Awoniyi,” McGugan explained. “It removes the need to rush him back and risk his body breaking down. That’s been the case in the past, and it hasn’t done him or the team any good.
“This form with Wood allows [Awoniyi] to gradually build back his strength and get back to where he was pre-injuries.” McGugan expressed optimism for Awoniyi’s future impact, adding, “Chris Wood is performing brilliantly at the moment, but when Taiwo is ready, he’ll hopefully come good and be able to make a real impact.”
Forest has emerged as one of the season’s early surprises, currently sitting 7th in the Premier League after nine matches. They’ll aim to build on that momentum when they host West Ham United at the City Ground on Saturday, November 2.
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