Coventry, England (Running Africa) — Nigerian international Taiwo Awoniyi has joined newly promoted Coventry City from Nottingham Forest in a £9 million transfer, giving the Sky Blues another attacking option ahead of their return to the Premier League.
The 29-year-old striker arrives at Coventry just days before the club opens its new Premier League campaign against defending champions Arsenal on Friday.
For Awoniyi, the move offers an opportunity for a fresh start after four seasons at Nottingham Forest, where injuries and increased competition limited his playing time.
Coventry City Signs Taiwo Awoniyi for £9 Million
Awoniyi becomes the latest addition to Frank Lampard’s Coventry City squad as the club prepares for its first season in England’s top flight in 25 years.
The Nigerian striker joins for a reported £9 million, strengthening an attack currently affected by the absence of injured forward Haji Wright.
Awoniyi will compete with Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms for a place in Lampard’s forward line as Coventry look to establish themselves in the Premier League.
His arrival comes shortly before one of the toughest possible opening fixtures, with the Sky Blues set to face defending champions Arsenal.
Awoniyi Leaves Nottingham Forest After Four Seasons
Awoniyi joined Nottingham Forest from Union Berlin for £17.2 million in 2022, becoming Forest’s record signing at the time.
He went on to score 23 goals in 103 appearances during four seasons at the City Ground and played an important role during the club’s early years back in the Premier League.
Opportunities became more limited last season, however.
The Nigerian started only three matches and finished the campaign with four goals in 17 appearances across all competitions, eventually paving the way for his departure.
Serious Injury Disrupted Awoniyi’s Forest Career
Awoniyi’s time at Forest was also interrupted by a serious injury suffered in May 2025.
The striker sustained a ruptured intestine after colliding with a goalpost during a match against Leicester City, an injury that required hospital treatment and resulted in him being placed in an induced coma.
His subsequent recovery became one of the most difficult periods of his career.
Forest recognized Awoniyi’s contribution to the club before their pre-season victory over Brest on Sunday, giving the Nigerian forward a guard of honor.
Manager Oliver Glasner also praised Awoniyi’s character and commitment during his time at the club.
Awoniyi Adds Premier League Experience to Coventry Attack
Despite his reduced involvement last season, Awoniyi arrives at Coventry with valuable Premier League experience and a proven record of scoring at the highest level.
His physical presence, ability to lead the attack, and familiarity with English football could prove particularly useful for a Coventry side preparing for the demands of a top-flight campaign.
The move also provides Awoniyi with the opportunity to secure more regular football after falling down the attacking order at Forest.
Coventry Strengthen Squad Ahead of Premier League Return
Coventry have been reinforcing Lampard’s squad ahead of a historic season following their promotion to the Premier League.
Awoniyi’s arrival provides immediate depth at center-forward, particularly with Wright sidelined through injury.
For the Nigerian striker, the £9 million Coventry transfer represents the beginning of another Premier League chapter after four seasons at Nottingham Forest.
And with Coventry preparing for their first top-flight campaign in a quarter of a century, Awoniyi will have an opportunity to play a significant role in the club’s attempt to establish itself among England’s elite.
