Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi is closing in on a permanent move to Coventry City, with the Super Eagles forward set to leave Nottingham Forest after four years at the City Ground. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Coventry and Forest have reached a club-to-club agreement, and a medical is now underway ahead of the striker’s official unveiling by Frank Lampard’s side.
The move will see Awoniyi depart Forest on a permanent basis, with Coventry securing him on a long-term contract as they prepare for their first season back in the Premier League. Consequently, the 27-year-old becomes the second Nigerian international signed by Lampard this summer, following the arrival of Frank Onyeka, whose move from Brentford was completed after a promotion clause was triggered. As a result, Awoniyi is poised to link up with a familiar international teammate as soon as he settles into life at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Awoniyi joined Forest from Union Berlin in 2022 and leaves in the final year of his contract at the club. During his time there, he scored 23 goals and provided six assists in 103 appearances across all competitions, with 21 of those goals and 90 of those appearances coming in the Premier League. However, recurring injuries disrupted his progress in recent seasons, and he was left out of Forest’s European squad list, a sign that his departure had become increasingly likely.
Awoniyi’s switch to Coventry represents a fresh opportunity for one of Nigeria’s most experienced Premier League strikers to reestablish regular game time. Having broken through with a club-record move to Forest back in 2022 and later playing a role in Nigeria’s forward line, Awoniyi’s fortunes at the City Ground had dipped considerably following persistent fitness setbacks.
A return to first-team football under Lampard, alongside compatriot Onyeka, could therefore prove significant for his standing in the national team picture as Nigeria continues preparations for the year ahead.
Awoniyi’s medical is ongoing, and Coventry are expected to confirm the transfer formally once the process is completed. Meanwhile, attention will turn to how quickly Lampard integrates the striker into his squad as the Sky Blues begin life back in the Premier League, with his partnership alongside Onyeka likely to be an early point of interest for Nigerian supporters following the club’s fortunes this season.
