Nigeria is well-represented in the English Premier League, with some of the competition's top teams relying on the Super Eagles for a spark of talent, creativity, and goals. We saw evidence of the EPL's reliance on Nigerian talent at the weekend, especially in the match at Old Trafford, where attacker Taiwo Awoniyi smashed a long-standing scoring record for his club, Nottingham Forest.
Awoniyi made headlines when he found the net inside the opening two minutes of Saturday's game at the Theatre of Dreams between Manchester United and Forest. The game gave the thousands in attendance and millions watching the play on TV and live-streaming apps a gripping 90 minutes with five goals scored. But Awoniyi's early strike was the pick of the bunch.
Reading the Gtbets review before kick-off, Nottingham Forest was dismissed by pundits, ex-players, and traders working at the leading bookies. It was predicted Man Utd would ease to victory and a crucial three points. The Red Devils did claim the win but were pushed hard by Awoniyi and co, made to work every minute of the game.
Forest race into an early lead
It was just a little too close for comfort in the eyes of the United faithful, but followers of the English Premier League, the most-watched club soccer competition on the planet, wouldn't have been shocked by Forest's strong start. The Tricky Trees are fast becoming a popular feature since gaining a spot in the top-tier of English football, and in Awoniyi, they have a striker with a habit of scoring big goals.
Awoniyi arrived at Old Trafford, Manchester, with confidence to spare, thanks to an impressive scoring streak. The 28-year-old started the game on the front foot and wasted no time giving his team a lead with a goal scored inside 120 seconds of play, the fastest of the day. That quick start sparked jubilation among the Forest players on the pitch, those in the coaching staff and fans packed tight into the away end at Old Trafford.
Few were as happy as Awoniyi, who scored to break a long-standing club record spanning 28 years. The Nigerian has now scored in seven successive EPL games, smashing a record previously held by club legend and icon of English soccer, Stan Collymore. It was a fantastic personal achievement for Awoniyi. Fans of Nottingham Forest and the Nigerian national team hope the run doesn't end here.
United battles back
It's a crucial season for Manchester United as they aim for glory in the Premier League and Europe. They went 2-0 down inside four minutes when Awoniyi's early goal was enhanced by a quickfire second from teammate and fellow African player Willy Boly. The Red Devils were shell shocked, losing two almost before the game had begun. But that ignited a fightback many critics believed United didn't possess.
Eriksen scored to half the deficit, and when United emerged for the second 45, needing just a goal to get level, their ambition was evident. Casemiro got the teams level with a sublime strike on 52 minutes before defender Worrall received a straight red card, and Bruno Fernandes fired home a penalty to win the game. The victors had to dig deep and score three goals to turn the game on its head following a dreadful start, but few can question the team's spirit and character.
United manager Erik ten Hag praised for his side's comeback, but it would be short-sighted to focus solely on the win. A hungry Forest attack tore apart United's defense, but they'll face bigger, better, and stronger opposition this term. United also needed a red card to get ahead, and thanks to Joe Worrall's lack of discipline, we'll never know what could've been with 11 vs. 11.
League update
Saturday's battling win moved Man Utd's two wins and a defeat, claiming six points from a possible nine. They sat sixth in the league on Saturday evening before a rejig following Sunday's games. Nottingham Forest's stats show one win and two defeats, with five goals scored and six conceded. They slipped to 14th in the ladder and dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Nottingham's form shows they can hold their own at this level, especially in attack, but must improve defensively if they are to remain at the head table. Forest is a weak touch at the back, conceding three to United, two against Arsenal and one to Sheffield United. The coach's main objective is to improve their defense before the transfer window slams shut.
Spotlight on Awoniyi
The 26-year-old striker from Ilorin started his career at Liverpool and has represented top clubs, including Frankfurt, Genk, Mainz, and Union Berlin. After years of working at various clubs in Germany and across Europe, Taiwo eventually returned to the Premier League, signing on at the City Ground in 2022. That has already proven a smart move, but he's not finished yet.
The man capped six times for his country is determined to improve further, perhaps signing for a top team in England and gaining more caps for the Super Eagles. If Awoniyi continues scoring after passing Collymore, he'll make headlines and attract attention during the January transfer window. A good showing in the colors of his homeland would also help add a few admirers, especially at teams across Europe and in cash-rich Saudi Arabia.
What's next for Awoniyi? Nottingham Forest has some mouth-watering games on the schedule for September. They open the month against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, London, before hosting newly-promoted Burnley, a team they should beat. Forest rounds off a three-game September schedule by visiting the Etihad Stadium, where they'll play the current Premier League and Champions League kings Man City.
The EPL campaign is now three games old, and Awoniyi has three goals. He began with a strike in London during a 2-1 defeat to last season's runner-up Arsenal. The Nigerian then bagged another in a 2-1 home win over Sheffield United before netting in that 3-2 reverse at Old Trafford.
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