Wood's injury: Awoniyi in contention to make rare start for Nottingham Forest against Brighton
Published: March 27, 2025
Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi could be handed a rare start for Nottingham Forest against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday following an injury to first-choice striker Chris Wood.
Awoniyi has endured a challenging season at Forest, struggling for regular game time due to Wood's impressive form.
The Nigerian striker has featured in 22 league matches but started only twice, scoring just one goal.
Meanwhile, Wood has netted 18 goals and provided three assists in 29 league games.
His limited role has sparked uncertainty over his future at the club, but Wood's absence presents an opportunity for him to prove his worth.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Forest head coach Nuno Espírito Santo confirmed that Wood will miss the game after sustaining an injury during international duty.
"He went for a scan today, we're still waiting. He went to see a specialist for the scan so we're waiting for the information," Nuno was quoted as saying by Forest's official website.
"He's not going to be available for this game (against Brighton). He fell really hard on his hip and there is some pain there, so we have to wait."
The coach also mentioned that several players returned from international duty in different physical conditions, meaning the final squad selection will depend on late fitness assessments.
"Every time we have an international break players come back in different conditions, so we have to assess them and many of them have arrived today. We're waiting on (Ramón) Sosa tomorrow, then we can assess them."
Awoniyi was notably absent from Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, as he was left out of both the provisional and final squad lists by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle due to his inconsistent form.
With Wood sidelined, Awoniyi now has a chance to make an impact and stake his claim for a starting role under Nuno as Forest looks to continue to fight for Champions League spot
Adeyemi Adewale
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Confirmed: Igoh Ogbu extends contract with Slavia Prague ahead of Super Eagles duty
- 'A rough season' - Injured Hoffenheim striker Gift Orban vows to come back better
- 'It's a test' - Chelsea legend backs Tosin and George to deliver against Nottingham Forest
- N430 billion gone: Nigerian RB and Sheffield United beaten by Sunderland in 'football's richest game'
- 'I achieved that’ – Onyeka opens up on his mission at Augsburg after Brentford return
- Green light from DFB: NFF confirm Felix Agu is eligible to make Super Eagles debut in Unity Cup
- Will Eric Chelle call up a replacement? AC Milan confirm Chukwueze will miss season finale
- Odemwingie: Forward who snubbed Russia for Nigeria explains why he won't attend June 6 friendly
- 'A pity Osimhen won't come' - Ex-Russia CB speaks on friendly v Nigeria, laments missing stars
- The 41 players named in Russia's extended squad to face Nigeria, ticket prices start at N12,000


- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- keo nha cai
- F168
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88