Nottingham Forest: How Vitor Pereira’s Contract Decision Impacts Taiwo Awoniyi

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi could remain at Nottingham Forest beyond this summer after coach Vitor Pereira made a key decision about his future, Afrik Foot reports.

The Portuguese head coach was appointed after Forest dismissed Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou, and Sean Dyche as the club struggled to avoid relegation in the Premier League.

Pereira steadied the ship for the two‑time UEFA Champions League winners, even guiding the team to the semi‑final of the UEFA Europa League, where they were eliminated by Aston Villa.

Vitor Pereira, Head Coach of Nottingham Forest. Copyright: ImagoxLuisxEirasx

The former Wolves coach’s contract runs until the end of next season, and he recently turned down an offer from Al‑Hilal, according to Ben Jacobs.

What Pereira’s stance means for Awoniyi’s future at Nottingham Forest

With the former FC Porto coach expected to stay at the City Ground for at least another season, Taiwo Awoniyi’s future at the club may be secure while he remains in charge.

The Nigerian’s contract with Forest expires next season, and there have been no talks about a renewal, although the striker has said he wants to stay.

“Four years in the Premier League has been a dream for the club and me,” Awoniyi told SportsBoom.

“The club has shown faith in me when I was down, so we will see what happens next. My family and I are settled here in Nottingham, a great city. Next season, we will be better.”

Taiwo Awoniyi. Copyright: xCraigxMercerx/Imago

After suffering an intestinal rupture in the 2024/25 season, the former Mainz 05 striker fell down the pecking order at Forest, and the club’s signings of Igor Jesus and Arnaud Kalimuendo pushed him further down.

Awoniyi played only one game for the Reds before Pereira arrived, and while he was not the first‑choice starter, he earned more minutes under the Portuguese.

When asked why he started Awoniyi back in March, Pereira said:

“I decided to go with Taiwo. My decisions about how you need to deserve what you get in life. It’s not about the quality, because he (Lucca) has quality. But, in this moment, in my opinion, Taiwo deserved to play, and it was my decision,” the 57‑year‑old said, according to Football Insider.

Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina for Nottingham Forest. Copyright: Imago

The trend continued when Awoniyi came off the bench against Tottenham Hotspur, and when he reached his 100th appearance for the club, Pereira praised the Nigerian’s work rate.

“I have never seen Taiwo without a smile, never. Every single day, whether he is playing or not playing, he is the same person, the same fighter, with the same spirit and the same energy. I had no doubts that he would perform and score goals. In fact, I told him before the game, ‘you will score for sure today,’ and he went out and scored two. I am very happy for him, very happy for our supporters, and for all our players.”

Pereira’s comments show that he values the 2013 FIFA U‑17 World Cup winner, and with his stay at the club confirmed, he can influence the hierarchy to prevent a potential Awoniyi exit.

Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest goal celebration with Morgan Gibbs-White. Copyright: ImagoxDanielxWeir/SportsxPressxPhotox

Forest are expected to undergo a major squad overhaul this summer, with Morgan Gibbs‑White and Elliot Anderson already linked to big clubs.