'Very proud of myself' - Awoniyi admits it was a dream to score on Nottingham Forest home debut

Taiwo Awoniyi's place in Nottingham Forest's history books is assured after the Nigeria international opened the scoring in the Reds' first home game in the Premier League for twenty-three years.

In the second minute of first half stoppage time, the former Liverpool striker profited from a stroke of good fortune as the ball bounced off his knee and into the net following a mishit by Forest's marquee signing of the summer transfer window Jesse Lingard.

Awoniyi was on the books of Liverpool for six years but could not make his Premier League debut during his time at Anfield due to a work permit obstacle, leading to loan spells at FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen, Royal Excel Mouscron, KAA Gent, Mainz 05 and Union Berlin.

His strike proved to be the defining moment of the game as it handed Steve Cooper's side all three points.

Speaking post-match, Awoniyi was delighted to open his goalscoring account in the Premier League, praised the fans for their incredible support and believes Forest will have a great season.

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day 2, Awoniyi said : "I’m really happy about the goal – it was a dream for me to score and for the team to win.

"As a striker you just have to be ready for anything around the goal. It’s all about getting ready whether you are starting or coming on from the bench.

"We must say a very big thank you to the fans because from the beginning they got behind the team and you can see how it kept the team going until the last minute.

"I’m really happy about it because it took me a long journey to get back to the Premier League and I’m very, very proud of myself.

"The win will give more confidence to the team, it will keep us going for the next game. I believe we will have a great season as a team."

In their next Premier League fixture, Awoniyi and his Nottingham Forest teammates travel to Goodison Park to face Alexi Iwobi's Everton on Saturday, August 20.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : premierleague.com

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