'I want Nigerians to support Nottingham Forest because of me' - Taiwo Awoniyi

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has stated his hopes that Nigerian football fans will support Nottingham Forest in the Premier League because of him.

The 24-year-old forward joined Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest this summer on a £17.5m transfer from German Bundesliga side Union Berlin.

Awoniyi became the club's record signing and will be hoping to score enough goals to keep Nottingham Forest in the Premier League beyond this season.

As he prepares for the 2022/23 league season, Awoniyi called on Nigerians to support Nottingham Forest because of him as they did with former Nigerian stars that played in the Premier League like Jay Jay Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo.

The Kwara Football Academy product told sportsration that he knows many Nigerians pick which club to support by virtue of if a Nigerian footballer is playing there. 

Awoniyi said: “Many people pick their clubs depending on where a Nigerian is playing or which teams the family likes."

"We all grew up watching it and loved it, and it is actually a dream come true to know that millions will be watching me now."

The new Nottingham Forest striker also promised to give his best to his new club towards achieving their goals ahead of the new season.

"The Premier League is very big in Nigeria because of players like Kanu, Okocha, Yakubu Ayegbeni, Joseph Yobo, Peter Odemwingie, and many others who all played here," Awoniyi continued.

"I want to give my best all the time and, by God’s grace, it will help us achieve our goals."

Taiwo Awoniyi will be hoping for a good start to life at Nottingham Forest as they take on Newcastle United away on Saturday, August 6 in their first league match of the season.