Chelsea & Spurs legends hail Super Eagles star after goal on Nottingham Forest home debut

On his home debut, Taiwo Awoniyi made a bit of history on Sunday afternoon by becoming the first Nottingham Forest player to score in their first home game in the Premier League for twenty-three years.

There could have been a different narrative at the break but Forest headed into the dressing room with their noses in front after Benrahma's effort was chalked off due to a previously committed foul by Michail Antonio.

There was an element of good fortune about Awoniyi's strike as the ball came off his knee and ended up in the back of the net in first half stoppage time.

However, the Super Eagles star deserved his goal as he was arguably Nottingham Forest's most hardworking player in the opening forty five minutes.

Signed from Union Berlin for a club record fee of seventeen and half million pounds, Awoniyi made his Premier League debut off the bench in the opening day loss to Newcastle United.

In their half-time analysis, Chelsea icon Gianfranco Zola and Tottenham Hotspur legend Glenn Hoddle praised the 2013 U17 World Cup winner for his enthusiasm and work rate in the first half.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, Zola said : "Awoniyi has been the most dangerous player for Nottingham Forest. Previously he had  a couple of chances in which he did very well. He performed well".

Hoddle added : "Everything in that first half has been about the big centre-forward. He has been brilliant and what a way to start in your new club".

Awoniyi received a standing ovation from the Nottingham Forest fans as he made way for Sam Surridge in the 72nd minute.

His international teammate, Emmanuel Dennis, who completed his move to the two-time European champions on Saturday,  was not eligible to face the Hammers.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : premierleague.com

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