Taiwo Awoniyi ends year-long goal drought, Ola Aina assists in Nottingham Forest win

Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi ended a year-long goal drought, scoring the second goal for Nottingham Forest in their 2-0 win over Brentford in the 23rd round of the Premier League.

Taiwo Awoniyi has given double lead to Nottingham !!!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Brentford 0-2 Nottinghampic.twitter.com/zu5NfNYk66

— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) January 25, 2026

Awoniyi came off the bench in the 68th minute and made an instant impact, breaking through Brentford’s defense and finishing in the 79th minute. This was his first goal since February 11, 2025, when he scored in the FA Cup fourth round against Exeter City—almost a full year without scoring.

Earlier in the match, fellow Nigerian Ola Aina provided a key assist. His cross took a deflection off a Brentford player and found Igor Jesus, who received and converted it to open the scoring in the 12th minute.

After this win, Nottingham Forest sit 17th with 25 points, five points clear of the relegation zone, in the Premier League table. This victory gives them a crucial buffer in the fight to stay in the Premier League.

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