Forest boss Nuno wants his team to draw strength from Taiwo Awoniyi’s tough recovery journey.
As Nottingham Forest prepare for their last league game of the season against Chelsea, head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has urged his players to fight with the same determination that striker Taiwo Awoniyi has shown in his recovery from a life-threatening injury.
Awoniyi recently underwent abdominal surgery and was placed in an induced coma. Although he’s now showing steady signs of recovery, his absence has deeply touched the team. During warm-ups and celebrations, Forest players have been wearing his shirt number as a tribute. Morgan Gibbs-White even kissed Awoniyi’s jersey after scoring against West Ham — a powerful moment that reminded fans of the bond in the squad.
“He’s not on the pitch, but he’s always in our thoughts,” Nuno said. “This last match, everything we do — the effort, the fight — it’s all for him, for the fans, and the whole city.”
Forest Chase Champions League Dream
Forest are currently sitting seventh in the Premier League table. For them to grab a historic Champions League spot — something they haven’t achieved since the 1980-81 season — they must beat fifth-placed Chelsea at the City Ground. But that alone won’t be enough. They also need either Newcastle or Aston Villa to drop points in their matches against Everton and Manchester United.
Even if the Champions League slips away, a win could still send Forest into the Europa League — a huge success for a team that was fighting to avoid relegation just a season ago.
On Awoniyi’s condition, Nuno gave an encouraging update. “He’s doing much better. The doctor says he’s slowly getting back to his normal life. He’s walking again and following his usual diet.”
Talk has been growing about Nuno possibly moving to Roma, but the Portuguese tactician brushed it off quickly. “Do you think I’ve got time for that now?” he said with a smile. “We’re focused. My mind is here — with the players, the game, and the details that matter. That’s all that counts right now.”
