Copper shares update on recuperating Taiwo Awoniyi
Nottingham Forest manager, Steve Cooper, did share update on recuperating Taiwo Awoniyi ahead of the team’s Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur.
Copper’s comments were made ahead of Forest’s , 0-2 Premier League loss to Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground on Friday, December 15, 2023.
Awoniyi, who recently underwent surgery, is expected to be out of action until the new year.
Cooper provided insight into Awoniyi’s progress, stating, “Taiwo’s injury is the obvious long-term one. He is going well but he is a long, long way from being back involved in games. But his programme is going well. He had a positive appointment this week. He doesn’t enjoy being injured but he is staying positive in his mentality.”
The Nigerian striker has made a significant impact for Nottingham Forest this season, featuring in 10 league matches and scoring four goals.
Despite the setback, Awoniyi’s positive mindset and dedication to his recovery program indicate a promising trajectory.
Nottingham Forest faced Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League encounter at the City Ground, with Awoniyi unavailable for selection.
His compatriot Ola Aina was listed as an unused substitute, while Tottenham featured Destiny Udogie, a player of Nigerian origin, in the Friday night game.
After the game, Copper’s comments bore signs the team missed the presence of their recuperating Nigerian forward. ”
“There is obviously nothing good about the run of form we are in. We are not going to hide from it. What we are falling short of is some defining moments in games.” the Forest manager said at the post-match interview.
“The fans are brilliant, no doubt about it. The guys are really together and trying. We know we have to show more quality in the final third. We have to continue to believe in players. The moment we show doubt they will feel it and go onto the pitch not believing as they should.
“We have to stay committed as we can be.”
As Nottingham Forest navigates the challenges of the Premier League, the team and fans eagerly await Taiwo Awoniyi’s return to action, bolstered by his determined approach to rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian International is certainly not going to be available for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations which begins in January 2024.
In the absence of Taiwo Awoniyi, other in-form Nigerian strikers will get opportunity to feature in Jose Peseiro’s plans for the AFCON.
