
Taiwo Awoniyi
CF
Playmaking Forward
Aug 12, 1997 (29)
Right
6'0"
185 lb
Poor in defeat
Awoniyi generated one shot (zero on goal) in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Analysis: Awoniyi was played out of the match entirely during Saturday's loss. He failed to get anything going throughout the match and was shut out of the match by City's marking. This is a very difficult match so it's hard to say that Awoniyi is off to a bad start this season, but his performance is worth watching in more winnable matches.
Generates four shots
Awoniyi had four shots (two on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-0 loss against Hull City.
Analysis: Awoniyi was Coventry's biggest attacking threat, producing a team-high four shots with two on target, including a close-range effort that forced a strong save from Konstatinos Tzolakis. He remains without a goal through the opening two matches, but his ability to consistently find shooting positions is encouraging. Awoniyi's physical presence and movement inside the penalty area should make him the focal point of Coventry's attack throughout the season.
Scores, assists in EFL Cup
Awoniyi scored a goal and added an assist in Tuesday's 4-2 win over Plymouth in the EFL Cup.
Analysis: Awoniyi didn't waste time making his presence felt, breaking the deadlock in the third minute to give Coventry the lead and later assisting Jack Rudoni two minutes later to double the team's advantage. Awoniyi was one of the latest signings Coventry made for the new season, and this performance should strengthen his claim for regular minutes at the EPL level.
Completes Coventry switch
Awoniyi completed a permanent transfer from Nottingham Forest to Coventry City on Monday.
Analysis: Awoniyi was expected to fill a backup role at Nottingham Forest this season, but he should have a clearer path to playing time at Coventry, especially since there's a big chance Haji Wright (quadriceps) will open the season on the sidelines. Awoniyi dealt with numerous injuries in the 2026/27 season and was limited to just 17 league appearances (three starts) with the Trick Trees, but he still notched four goals on 15 shots (eight on target) while adding an assist.
Features in friendly
Awoniyi (groin) started the second half of Wednesday's friendly match against Leverkusen.
Analysis: Awoniyi didn't play in the friendly against Udinese earlier this month due to groin discomfort, but he's healthy enough to play in this match. The striker should add depth upfront, though he might be in line for a bigger role to open the 2025/26 campaign if Chris Wood (thigh) isn't ready for the opener against Leeds United on Saturday, Aug. 22.
Suffers groin discomfort
Awoniyi felt something in his groin ahead of Saturday's match against Udinese, leading to a precautionary withdrawal, according to coach Oliver Glasner, per Roundtable. "Taiwo should then have started [in Chris Wood's absence], but he also felt something in his groin, maybe it's because of spending a long time sitting on the bus or the plane and in the hotels, so we didn't want to take any risks with them, but it should be fine."
Analysis: Awoniyi finished last season with four goals and one assist across 17 Premier League appearances, playing a secondary role behind the club's other forward options. Manager Glasner's comments suggest this is a minor precaution rather than a genuine injury concern, and Awoniyi should be available in the short term as Forest continues its preseason preparations.
Logs brace
Awoniyi scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal) in Monday's 3-1 victory over Chelsea.
Analysis: Awoniyi was responsible for the third goal to give Nottingham Forest more breathing room in Monday's win. The forward should be active against Aston Villa in the second leg of the UEL semifinal, though there was only one goal combined in the first leg so this could be a tough defense for Awoniyi to crack.
Assists Friday
Awoniyi assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Friday's 5-0 win against Sunderland.
Analysis: Awoniyi put his name on the scoresheet Friday with an assist during the one-sided rout. The match was never particularly competitive and Awoniyi did well to cause issues even with just a single chance created. He didn't get too involved other than that assist, playing only two minutes off the bench.
Adds goal on lone shot
Awoniyi scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Sunday's 3-0 win versus Tottenham Hotspur. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 88th minute.
Analysis: Awoniyi took just a single shot during Sunday's win and made the most of it during Sunday's win. He put it in the back of the net to add to the misery for Spurs. Awoniyi has scored just twice this season and has been relegated to a minimal depth role, often playing only a few minutes off the bench in most matches.
Closes out scoring
Awoniyi scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Sunday's 2-0 win against Brentford.
Analysis: Awoniyi scored the final goal of the match late in the second half. He proved to be too strong for Sepp van den Berg and later slotted the ball coolly between Caoimhin Kelleher's legs. This was Awoniyi's first goal of the campaign, but he's not expected to have a lot of upside as long as he continues to play off the bench.
Features off bench
Awoniyi (abdomen) featured 18 minutes off bench in Monday's 1-0 loss against Fulham, confirming he is back fit for Forest.
Analysis: Awoniyi made his return from a seven games absence due to an abdomen injury and featured 18 minutes in Monday's loss against the Cottagers. The forward will resume his bench role for Forest moving forward just like he had prior to his injury.
Spotted with team
Awoniyi was spotted with the team ahead of training Wednesday, before Monday's trip to Fulham.
Analysis: Awoniyi has been working back from an abdominal issue and is getting closer to a return. There's no exact date for when he will return, but an inclusion in team training is a good sign. It's unclear how much of the session he was able to complete with the rest of the first team squad.
Won't play midweek
Awoniyi (abdomen) is out for Wednesday's match against Wolves, according to manager Sean Dyche, per Jak Netting of Vavel.
Analysis: Awoniyi is still not an option for the club as he continues to deal with an injury, set to miss a fourth straight game due to abdominal problems. Unfortunately for the club, this will leave them without an option in the attack for another match, a rough development as the season starts to ramp up. He has only started in one of his four appearances this campaign, as injuries have been a persistent issue.
Not playing in Europa League
Awoniyi (abdomen) is not in the squad for Thursday's Europa League match against Malmo.
Analysis: The Nigerian forward remains out due to injury and it's not certain when he'll be ready to return. His next chance to play will come over the weekend against Brighton.
Not available against Liverpool
Awoniyi (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Liverpool.
Analysis: Awoniyi remains out Saturday as the knock he has been dealing with has not progressed enough for him to be cleared. His absence means Chris Wood and Igor Jesus continue to sit above him in the internal hierarchy with no changes expected for now. Until he returns to regular involvement and builds back fitness, his fantasy upside will remain minimal.
Dealing with knock
Awoniyi is dealing with a knock and his presence for Saturday's game against Liverpool is uncertain, manager Sean Dyche told media during Thursday's pre-match press conference. "I thought Taiwo did really well when he came on (against Leeds). Unfortunately he has now picked up a bit of an injury and we will see how that settles down."
Analysis: Awoniyi played 31 minutes off the bench against Leeds, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be able to play in a fifth straight contest due to this knock. Even if he's cleared to play, he's behind Chris Wood (knee) and Igor Jesus in the pecking order, so his fantasy upside will remain minimal until further notice.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare