Awoniyi Receives Emotional Forest Guard of Honour Ahead of Coventry Move

Nottingham Forest players and staff gave Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi an emotional guard of honour before the second half of their final pre-season friendly against Brest as the striker prepared to bring his four-year spell at the City Ground to an end.

Awoniyi was given the special farewell after Forest agreed a deal worth around £17 million with newly promoted Coventry City for his transfer.

The 29-year-old striker was applauded by his team-mates and club staff as he made his final appearance at the City Ground, with the gesture allowing him to say goodbye to the club and supporters ahead of his expected move.

Forest manager Oliver Glasner explained the decision to honour the Nigerian striker, praising his character, commitment and popularity throughout his time at the club.

‘He was probably one of the loveliest guys I’ve met, always friendly, always smiling,’ Glasner said after Forest’s 2-0 victory over Brest.

‘Everybody in the club likes him and I could see everybody in the stand likes him because this is what everybody appreciates.’

Glasner added: ‘He always gives 100% for the team, he always gives 100% for the bench, and that’s why he deserves such a farewell, such a guard of honour. That’s why we decided we would give it to him and I wish him all the best at his next club, just not when they play us.’

Awoniyi joined Forest from Union Berlin in 2022 for £17.2 million, becoming the club’s record signing at the time. He went on to score 23 goals in 103 appearances for the Reds.