My strength is too much: What fans are saying about Super Eagles star who scored first goal in 384 days

After a grueling 12 months defined by emergency abdominal surgery and a life-threatening injury scare, Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi officially announced his resurrection on Sunday.

Coming off the bench in Nottingham Forest’s 2-0 win over Brentford, Awoniyi didn't just score; he reminded the Premier League what bully-ball looks like.

The goal, a sensational solo effort where he mashed up Sepp van den Berg and nutmegged Caoimhin Kelleher, has sent Nigerian social media into a state of absolute chaos

The phrase of the weekend across the Forest fanbase was simple: “My strength is too much.” It was a nod to Awoniyi’s raw physical power, which seemed to have returned in full force as he brushed off Brentford’s defenders like they were flies.

Fans who had been worried about his diminishing confidence were suddenly singing a different tune.

“He should be called the beast. What a baller!” one fan exclaimed. Another added, “Brilliant from Taiwo! Class is permanent. I’m super happy for him.”

One of the most viral reactions came at the expense of Brentford defender Michael Kayode, who was left sliding in vain as Awoniyi breezed past him.

“Abeg, where that bros wey slide don reach? E be like I see am around Abule Egba... e still dey slide go,” joked one fan, suggesting the defender had slid so far he’d ended up in a Lagos suburb.

Awoniyi’s drought wasn't just about goals; it was about health. Since his last Premier League goal on January 6, 2025, he has faced mounting pressure and rumours of a disastrous decline and exit.

But as Forest boss Sean Dyche noted after the game, the striker finally looks "free" again. In the unforgiving world of the Premier League, Awoniyi’s journey from a hospital bed in May to a solo stunner in January 2026 is the ultimate underdog story.

While critics were ready to write him off, the big man kept his head down and waited for his moment.

“Happy for him. First goal in over a year,” was the simple but powerful sentiment shared by thousands.