“Champions League ticket will be the best reward for Nottingham Forest” – Awoniyi

Photo: Nottingham Forest Media

Nigeria forward Taiwo Awoniyi has indicated that qualifying for the UEFA Champions League with Nottingham Forest would be the best reward for the club’s sterling performance this season.

Forest have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2024–25 season, challenging for the top-four spot under the guidance of Portuguese manager, Nuno Espirito Santo. However, a recent blip where they have picked just a point in three games, saw them drop into sixth on the league table with 61 points from 35 league matches played.

Awoniyi, despite injury setbacks this season and the disappointment of missing out on the FA Cup victory, stated in an interview with Humble Boots.

“I think presently nothing but the Champions League. Presently, we are out of the FA Cup after going through a long one.

“I broke my nose in the midst of it as well, got knocked out in the semifinal (Nottingham Forest 0-2 Manchester City).

“So, if I would justify the season and how far we have worked hard, I think making the Champions League would be a huge motivation for us as a team.”

Forest are still in the race to claim next season’s Champions League ticket but they need to avoid another defeat till the end of the season. Nottingham Forest will welcome relegated Leicester City to the City Ground this weekend.