Ex-stars back Awoniyi to shine in EPL

Ex-stars back Awoniyi to shine in EPL

Ex-internationals have backed Taiwo Awoniyi to flourish in the Premier League in the new season after the 24-year-old joined Nottingham Forest on Saturday for a record club fee, Sunday PUNCH reports.

The Nigerian striker joined the newly-promoted Forest on a five-year deal for a reported £17m from Bundesliga club Union Berlin.

Awoniyi scored 20 goals in 43 games across all competitions last season and becomes Forest’s first signing since gaining promotion back to the Premier League.

He also becomes the fifth Nigerian to feature for the club after Sammy Ameobi, Gboly Ariyibi, Chuba Akpom and Dele Adebola

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, Eagles goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu belives his switch to the Premier League is a good move for the player’s fledgling career.

Awoniyi netted 20 goals in 43 games across all competitions last season, scoring 15 times in the Bundesliga as Union finished fifth.

“It’s a good move for the player (Awoniyi) as well the Eagles team,” Shorunmu told Sunday PUNCH.

“We hope he makes a good start to his career and score goals for his team. The life in England is different from Germany and it’s a fresh start for him.

On whether his move will boost his chances of returning to the Eagles, Shorunmu said, “The door is open for every player which includes him (Awoniyi). The national team is open to everyone as a striker, goals matter a lot and once he keeps scoring his chances are brighter.

Former U-23 star and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games silver medallist, Femi Ajilore, also added,”It’s a great move for him and I believe that he possesses the qualities to excel in the epl. He is strong, pacy and a proven goalscorer from the Bundesliga.”

Meanwhile, Awoniyi admits that the discussions with Head Coach Steve Cooper was a key factor in deciding to join the newly-promoted side on a five-year deal from Union Berlin for a club record fee on the back of an impressive campaign for the Bundesliga club.

“I feel great,” Awoniyi told the club website. “I feel very happy to be here. Looking at the project, it’s something I’m really looking forward to.

“What stood out about Forest were the meetings with the Head Coach and the discussions we had. I can see how ambitious and dedicated he is to his job.

“My dream is to always keep working and I see him as a person who I can develop under.
“For me, it’s always about hard work, dedication and believing in God. When I look back at the games with Union Berlin, it was always about the team for me.

“When I look at Forest and look at the history of the club, it’s even more about the team. This is the kind of place I love to belong to and I am ready for it.

“Every striker wants to score goals, but I’m ready to work for the team, to fight for every ball, to win every challenge, that’s my style and that’s what I’m here for.”