Nottingham Forest: Key reason Taiwo Awoniyi will remain in the Premier League

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is unlikely to leave England anytime soon, even if his future at Nottingham Forest eventually comes to an end, Afrik Foot reports.

The 28-year-old Nigerian forward has entered the final year of his contract at the City Ground, sparking fresh speculation about his long-term future with the two-time European champions.

While Awoniyi has expressed his desire to remain at the City Ground, uncertainty surrounding a contract renewal has led to questions over whether the former Union Berlin striker could seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.

However, former Super Eagles midfielder and one of the key figures behind Awoniyi’s development and rise to stardom, Seyi Olofinjana, has now provided a significant insight into the striker’s long-term plans.

Neco Williams, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Nikola Milenkovic. Copyright: Imago

Olofinjana reveals Awoniyi’s long-term England plan

Speaking on the Playzone podcast, Olofinjana disclosed that remaining in England has always been a major part of Awoniyi’s career roadmap.

The former Stoke City midfielder explained that beyond football development, considerable emphasis was placed on preparing Awoniyi for life away from the pitch, including financial education and long-term career planning.

“Everything he’s done is about the education opportunity we gave to him on the backend of what I went through in my career,” Olofinjana said.

“Away from just teaching them how to play football, when it comes to getting them out there, we taught them how to handle their finances, handle life.”

Seyi Olofinjana. Copyright: Imago

The 46-year-old further revealed that detailed conversations were held regarding every stage of Awoniyi’s career progression.

“We spoke about every single detail of Taiwo Awoniyi’s career. I can say this anywhere, we did the planning.”

According to Olofinjana, one of the key objectives was ensuring that the Nigerian striker remained in England long enough to secure a second passport.

“The day he gets to play in England, I told him he’ll stay there until he gets a second passport, but Nigeria will always be your home.”

“That’s why Taiwo Awoniyi is not going anywhere. He’s going to stay in England until he gets his passport.”

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi. Copyright: IMAGO/RogerxEvans

Why England remains the priority for Taiwo Awoniyi

Olofinjana’s comments provide an important context regarding Awoniyi’s future amid growing uncertainty at Nottingham Forest.

The former Liverpool striker has already spent four seasons in English football since joining Forest from Union Berlin in 2022, becoming an important figure during the club’s return to the Premier League.

Despite injuries disrupting parts of his stay at the City Ground, Awoniyi has consistently spoken about how settled he and his family are in Nottingham.

Earlier this summer, the Nigerian forward admitted that both he and his family consider the city home and expressed his desire to continue his journey in England.

The reason behind that is now crystal clear following Olofinjana’s revelation.

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

Nottingham Forest future uncertain, but England stay likely

Forest’s managerial changes and Awoniyi’s contract situation mean a departure cannot be completely ruled out.

The arrival of Oliver Glasner has created fresh competition within the squad, while Forest also face the difficult decision of whether to offer Awoniyi a new deal or risk losing him for free next summer.

However, Olofinjana’s comments strongly suggest that even if the striker eventually leaves Nottingham Forest, his preference would be to remain in England rather than pursue opportunities abroad.

With Premier League experience already under his belt and a long-standing personal plan centred around remaining in the country, Awoniyi could prioritise moves to other English clubs should his chapter at the City Ground come to an end.

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

For now, Nottingham Forest remain his immediate focus, but one thing that’s almost certain is that Taiwo Awoniyi’s future is in England.