Why Awoniyi won’t leave England
Taiwo Awoniyi has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from England, insisting that Nottingham Forest remains home for him and his family as he prepares for the final year of his contract.
The Nigerian international said his immediate focus is on repaying the faith shown in him by the Premier League club during one of the most difficult periods of his career.
Awoniyi’s comments come amid growing transfer speculation surrounding the Super Eagles striker, who enjoyed a strong finish to the 2025/26 campaign after recovering from injuries.
Speaking in an interview with SportsBoom, the Nottingham Forest forward said his family had settled comfortably in Nottingham and expressed gratitude for the support he received from the club during his injury setbacks.
“The club has shown faith in me when I was down. My family and I are settled here in Nottingham, a great city. We’ll see what happens next,” Awoniyi said.
The remarks have been interpreted as a clear indication that the 28-year-old is not actively seeking a move away from England despite entering the final 12 months of his current deal.
Injury setback strengthened bond
Awoniyi’s determination to remain in England comes after one of the toughest periods of his professional career.
In May 2025, the striker suffered a serious abdominal injury after colliding with a goalpost during Nottingham Forest’s Premier League match against Leicester City.
The injury required emergency surgery, and he later spent time in intensive care before making a successful recovery. Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo later confirmed that the striker was recovering well and remained under medical observation before returning to action.
The club’s medical staff, coaching team and supporters rallied behind the Nigerian throughout his recovery, something Awoniyi has repeatedly acknowledged.
That experience appears to have strengthened his commitment to Forest.
Strong finish to the season
Despite missing significant parts of the campaign through injury, Awoniyi ended the season impressively.
He scored crucial goals, including a memorable brace against Chelsea, helping Nottingham Forest secure Premier League survival and complete another successful season in England.
His late-season performances revived interest from several clubs, but there has been no official indication that Forest intends to sell him.
Instead, Awoniyi believes he still has more to offer.
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Family settled in Nottingham
One of the biggest reasons Why Awoniyi won’t leave England is his family’s comfort in Nottingham.
Unlike many footballers who seek new challenges after a few seasons abroad, Awoniyi stressed that stability away from football also matters.
The striker described Nottingham as a welcoming city where his family feels at home.
That personal factor could prove decisive as discussions over his long-term future continue.
Contract situation
Awoniyi enters the 2026/27 season with one year remaining on his current Nottingham Forest contract.
Players approaching the final year of their deals are often linked with transfers because clubs risk losing them on free transfers if agreements are not reached.
However, neither Nottingham Forest nor the striker has suggested that negotiations have broken down.
Instead, Awoniyi has repeatedly spoken positively about the club.
Nottingham Forest’s faith
The Nigerian joined Forest from Union Berlin in 2022 for what was then a club-record transfer fee.
Since then, he has made more than 100 appearances across all competitions while scoring over 20 goals despite battling recurring injuries.
Club officials have consistently backed him through difficult periods.
That loyalty appears to have influenced the striker’s thinking.
England remains the priority
Although transfer rumours continue to circulate, there is little evidence that Awoniyi is pushing for an exit.
His own comments suggest the opposite.
Rather than searching for another league, the Super Eagles striker wants to build on his recent return to fitness and establish himself once again as Nottingham Forest’s first-choice striker.
That explains Why Awoniyi won’t leave England at this stage of his career.
International football
Awoniyi recently opted out of Nigeria’s Unity Cup and June international friendlies after informing Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle that he had personal matters requiring attention.
He insisted, however, that the decision had nothing to do with disagreements with the national team and expressed confidence in the players selected for Nigeria.
His focus remains on returning fully fit and preparing for another demanding Premier League season.
Ogele News Analysis
For Nottingham Forest, keeping a fully fit Taiwo Awoniyi could be as valuable as signing a new striker.
When healthy, the Nigerian remains one of the club’s most physical and clinical forwards.
His gratitude towards Forest, combined with his family’s attachment to Nottingham and the club’s unwavering support during his injury ordeal, explains Why Awoniyi won’t leave England despite persistent speculation.
Unless contract negotiations collapse or an exceptional offer arrives, all indications suggest the Super Eagles striker intends to continue his career in the Premier League.
Why Awoniyi won’t leave England
