‘T was on our minds’ - Forest manager claims Awoniyi was a key to West Ham win

Forest claimed a narrow 2-1 win over West Ham United in their Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon.

The victory extends the battle for UEFA Champions League qualification to the final matchday of the Premier League season.

Nottingham Forest continues forward despite the ongoing absence of their Nigerian player, who is still recovering from surgery to repair a ruptured intestine, an injury sustained during the team's previous match against Leicester City.

Espirito stated the team played with heightened determination to ensure Awoniyi's contribution was meaningful.

“Since the beginning of the preparations, T was on our minds due to the seriousness of the situation. The boys wanted to do it for T.

“Our final words were to give it a push and a go for T. He is someone we really admire and his smile is contagious. We need him. The boys did it for him and we are so proud,” he said, according to Nottingham Post.

“Since the beginning of the season we wanted to be in this fight (for the Champions League). We achieved it.

“If you had said in the beginning it would be possible, you would have said no, but we are in it and the last game at the City Ground is going to be huge for us. It is trying to achieve something magical.

“We played good. We started well; we were organised and pressing really well. It was open and both goalkeepers had to make fantastic saves, but after that, we were in control and scored a good goal.

Following their victory over West Ham, Nottingham Forest now control their own destiny regarding UEFA Champions League qualification. A win against Chelsea next Sunday, a team with comparable aspirations, will secure their place.