Big Taiwo is back: Awoniyi ends 384-day goal drought with solo stunner as Super Eagles stars inspire Forest win

In a clinical 2-0 away win against Brentford on Sunday, Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi stepped off the bench to score a sensational solo goal, killing off the game and ending a frustrating 12-month dry spell that stretched back to January 6, 2025. 

With Ola Aina also providing a masterclass at right-back, it was a proper Nigerian takeover at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The script couldn't have been written better for Awoniyi, who has been linked with a move away from the club. Subbed on to replace the equally impressive Igor Jesus, the Nigerian striker looked like a man with a point to prove.

When the ball fell to him in the 80th minute, he was isolated against Sepp van den Berg. What followed was a display of pure power and composure. 

He sized up the defender, breezed past him with ease, and despite another defender Michael Kayode sliding in to block, he kept his cool to slot the ball past Caoimhin Kelleher.

While Awoniyi grabbed the headlines with the second goal, fellow Super Eagle Ola Aina was the architect of the first.In the 12th minute, Aina floated a cross from the right that found Igor Jesus.

While there wasn't much power on the delivery, the Brazilian striker showed incredible strength to control it, shrug off his marker, and fire Forest into an early lead. 

Aina’s defensive discipline throughout the match earned him rave reviews, with fans calling him “one of the most consistent full-backs in the league right now.

Awoniyi’s previous Premier League goal came against Wolves over 380 days ago. Since then, injury struggles and a dip in form had kept him off the scoresheet, but his 80th-minute strike on Sunday felt like a massive weight being lifted off his shoulders.

For Sean Dyche, the result is a massive boost. Having both his strikers, Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi, on the scoresheet creates a selection headache he will surely welcome.