Nottingham Forest appointed Vítor Pereira as new head coach on an 18-month deal, handing fresh leadership to Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi amid a Premier League relegation battle.
Nottingham Forest have officially announced the appointment of Portuguese manager Vítor Pereira as their new head coach on an 18-month contract until the summer of 2027.
The 57-year-old takes charge at the City Ground during a turbulent 2025/26 campaign, becoming Forest’s fourth managerial appointment of the season.
His immediate priority will be to steer the club clear of relegation danger while maintaining competitiveness in Europe.
Major boost for Aina and Awoniyi
Pereira’s arrival brings renewed optimism for Nigerian internationals Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi, who remain key figures in Forest’s squad.
07:47 - 12.02.2026
Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi face managerial change after Nottingham Forest part ways with head coach
Nigerian stars Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi will experience a coaching change at Nottingham Forest after the club confirmed the departure of their head coach.
Aina has been one of the club’s most consistent performers this season. Meanwhile, Awoniyi continues to be a central attacking presence when fit.
Pereira brings extensive international experience, having enjoyed success across multiple leagues. He rose to prominence at FC Porto, where he secured back-to-back Primeira Liga titles.
08:33 - 12.02.2026
Super Eagles stars Ola Aina, Arokodare and other Nigerian players at risk of relegation
Nigerian internationals are among several Super Eagles stars facing the prospect of Championship football next season as their Premier League clubs battle relegation.
He later lifted silverware with Olympiacos F.C., winning the domestic double, and achieved league glory in China with Shanghai Port F.C.
His managerial resume also includes spells at Fenerbahçe S.K., Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, and Clube de Regatas do Flamengo.
22:32 - 11.02.2026
Two Super Eagles stars enjoyed polarising afternoons as Nottingham Forest and Wolves were deadlocked in a Premier Legue tie
Most recently, he managed Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C., where he orchestrated a dramatic turnaround, guiding the club from the relegation zone to safety with a six-match winning run.
Forest currently sits just above the Premier League drop zone.
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