Coventry City Sign Taiwo Awoniyi From Nottingham Forest for £9m

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By Sedara Philip

Coventry City have completed the signing of Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest for a reported £9 million, strengthening their attacking options ahead of their return to the Premier League.

The 29-year-old striker joins Coventry as the club prepares for its first season back in England’s top flight in 25 years, with Frank Lampard’s side set to begin their campaign away to defending champions Arsenal on Friday.

Awoniyi spent the past four seasons at Nottingham Forest after joining the club from Union Berlin in 2022 for £17.2 million, becoming Forest’s record signing at the time.

During his spell at the City Ground, the Nigerian forward scored 23 goals in 103 appearances across competitions and played an important role in Forest’s return to prominence.

However, competition for places gradually limited his opportunities. Awoniyi found himself behind Chris Wood and Igor Jesus in the pecking order and was subsequently left out of Forest’s Europa League squad last season.

He made just three starts last season, scoring four goals in 17 appearances in all competitions.

Despite his reduced role, Awoniyi leaves Forest with the admiration of teammates, staff and supporters.

The striker received an emotional guard of honour from Forest players and staff before the second half of Sunday’s final pre-season friendly against Brest, giving him an opportunity to say goodbye to the club’s supporters.

Forest manager Oliver Glasner praised Awoniyi’s character and commitment, describing him as a hugely popular figure within the club.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis also paid tribute to the Nigerian striker, saying Awoniyi would always hold a special place in the club’s history because of his contribution and the memorable moments he created for supporters.

Awoniyi’s Forest career was also marked by a serious setback in May 2025, when he suffered a ruptured intestine after colliding with a goalpost during a match against Leicester City and was placed in an induced coma.

He has since returned to football and will now look to establish himself as a key figure in Coventry’s ambitious Premier League campaign.

Coventry have been active in the transfer market as they prepare for their top-flight return, also bringing back midfielder Gus Hamer from Sheffield United and goalkeeper Carl Rushworth following his successful loan spell.

They have further strengthened their squad with the arrivals of winger Loum Tchaouna, defender Aurèle Amenda and Ghana international Caleb Yirenkyi.

With striker Haji Wright currently injured, Awoniyi’s arrival provides Lampard with another experienced option in attack alongside Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms.

The move represents a fresh chapter for Awoniyi, who will hope to rediscover his best form and fire Coventry to Premier League survival after their long-awaited return to the top flight.