Aina Starts, Awoniyi Benched Again as Premier League Kicks Off
As Nottingham Forest and Brentford lock horns in the 2025/26 Premier League opener, the numbers tell a compelling story for Nigeria’s top-flight representatives.
Ola Aina continues his consistent run of opening-day starts, making it three consecutive seasons where he’s featured in the starting XI on matchday one.
Today’s appearance also marks his 87th Premier League start in 92 games, and after scoring twice last season—his personal best in the league—he’ll be looking to build on that upward trajectory.
Taiwo Awoniyi, meanwhile, begins the season on the bench for the third straight opening fixture, a pattern that’s becoming statistically significant.
With 51 substitute appearances in 74 Premier League games, the striker remains a potent option off the bench, though fans will be eager to see him reclaim a starting role.
Frank Onyeka, returning to Brentford after a loan spell at Bundesliga side Augsburg, also starts from the bench. While not part of the opening-day stats trend yet, his reintegration into the squad will be closely watched as the season unfolds.
