Super Eagles pair Ola Aina and Awoniyi welcome new African star who rejected Napoli for Forest

Nottingham Forest’s Nigerian duo, Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi, have welcomed a new African teammate as the club officially unveiled Swiss winger Dan Ndoye, who brings a wealth of experience and attacking prowess to the squad.

The 24-year-old Ndoye joins Forest from Bologna in a significant £34 million deal, signing a five-year contract at the City Ground. His arrival signals another notable reinforcement for Forest’s attacking options, adding versatility and creativity to the squad alongside Aina, who penned a new deal at the club and Awoniyi.

Ndoye, who was also wanted by Napoli, expressed enthusiasm about joining Nottingham Forest, describing the club as ambitious and steeped in history. 

He emphasised his eagerness to start his journey with Forest during what he called “exciting times” for the team in his first interview with the Tricky Tees.

Last season in Serie A, Ndoye demonstrated his quality by scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 30 appearances for Bologna. 

He made history for the club by scoring in the Coppa Italia final, helping Bologna secure their first major trophy in over 50 years. Over the entire season, he featured in 41 matches across all competitions, including all eight of Bologna’s Champions League games, scoring nine goals and registering six assists.

Known for his creative flair, direct style of play, speed, and versatility across the front line, Ndoye’s impressive ball-carrying statistics were among the best in Serie A for the 2024/25 campaign, bettered by only five players.

Born in Nyon, Switzerland, to a Senegalese father and Swiss mother, Ndoye came through the Lausanne-Sport academy before making his professional debut as an 18-year-old. After a stint in France with Nice, he returned to Switzerland in 2022 to join Basel permanently following a successful loan and then earned a move to Bologna.

Internationally, Ndoye debuted for Switzerland in 2022 and has since accumulated 22 caps. He played every match at Euro 2024, helping Switzerland reach the quarter-finals and scoring a crucial group-stage goal against Germany.

Ndoye’s signing adds another dynamic attacking option for Nottingham Forest, joining Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi in representing African talent at the club. Forest supporters will be hoping his experience and skill will inspire the team in their Premier League campaign ahead.