Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner has expressed that striker Taiwo Awoniyi thoroughly earned the emotional tribute he received as the forward approaches his transfer to Coventry City. The deal, pending completion of contractual documentation, is expected to amount to approximately £17m.
Awoniyi bid farewell to supporters during the interval of Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Brest at the City Ground. The first-team squad, who had earlier competed in a private match against Coventry, provided the departing player with traditional bumps. The forward found it difficult to contain his feelings, having established himself as a firm favourite since arriving from Union Berlin in 2022.
After the match, responding to questions about the transfer, manager Glasner described him as an outstanding individual. He noted that beyond being a talented footballer, Awoniyi ranks among the most pleasant people he has encountered, always courteous and wearing a smile. The Austrian observed that everyone associated with the club holds him in high regard, as do those watching from the stands, and this widespread affection stems from more than just his abilities on the pitch. Glasner highlighted that Awoniyi consistently gives his all for both the team and the club crest, which is why such a fitting farewell was arranged. He confirmed the decision to honour him in this way and offered his best wishes for his future endeavours, though not when Coventry face Forest.
While the senior players were present at half-time for Awoniyi’s send-off, they had been granted a rest following their efforts in the 2-0 victory over the Sky Blues. The lineup that faced Brest featured Callum Hudson-Odoi and Nicolas Dominguez among others, with Forest prevailing 2-0 courtesy of two first-half efforts. Chris Wood netted the opener from twelve yards after Luca Netz had won the penalty, before Netz himself doubled the advantage with a composed strike following Dominguez’s assist.
Glasner reflected positively on the display, particularly the opening forty-five minutes. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of the goals and the chances created, noting the side’s defensive organisation meant Brest failed to register a single attempt on target throughout the match. The former Eintracht Frankfurt boss mentioned that most players completed ninety minutes in Friday’s behind-closed-doors fixture, with the remaining squad members featuring in Saturday’s game. Ryan Yates faces a minor fitness concern and is unlikely to be available for the opening league fixture against Leeds, while the rest of the squad appears prepared for the Premier League campaign ahead.