Nottingham Forest supporter Tony O’Dowd believes that Coventry City can look forward to impressive performances from their new signing, Taiwo Awoniyi, describing him as a “phenomenal in-form player” and an “absolute live wire.” Awoniyi, a 29-year-old striker, secured a £9 million transfer to Coventry from Union Berlin, having previously made history as Forest’s record signing in June 2022.

In an interview with BBC CWR, O’Dowd shared his insights: “What you can expect is a player who will play with a smile on his face, give you 100% and come up with goals when you least expect them.” He praised Awoniyi’s ability to score against major Premier League teams, highlighting the player’s fan-favorite status and his strong rapport with teammates. O’Dowd said, “He has been Mr Nottingham Forest at times, he has always had time for the fans and his team-mates love him.”

Reflecting on Awoniyi’s departure, O’Dowd remarked on the farewell displayed during a recent pre-season win over Brest, stating, “I’ve been a supporter for 60 years, and I’ve never seen a farewell carried out in the manner that it was.” He continued to laud Awoniyi’s character and skill: “He is an absolutely superb man and player. You’ve got a man there that can do a job for you in the Premier League.”

O’Dowd recalled Awoniyi’s impressive form before suffering an injury against Leicester City, noting that he quickly returned to form and played a critical role in a match against Brentford: “He ran all the way from the middle of the park into their penalty box, beat a couple of players, and slotted the ball home. I remember nobody expected us to win that game.” He emphasized Awoniyi’s unpredictable nature in the box, stating, “When he is in the box, he is a handful because people don’t know what he’s going to do next. He is an absolute live wire.”

Listen to the full conversation above or on BBC Sounds here

Nottingham Forest supporter Tony O’Dowd says Coventry City can expect new signing Taiwo Awoniyi to be a “phenomenal in-form player” and an “absolute live wire”.

The 29-year-old striker, who became Forest’s record signing when he joined from Union Berlin in June 2022, has completed a £9m move to the CBS Arena.

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Speaking to BBC CWR, O’Dowd said: “What you can expect is a player who will play with a smile on his face, give you 100% and come up with goals when you least expect them.

“He has scored against every big team in the Premier League. He is a phenomenal in-form player. He has been Mr Nottingham Forest at times, he has always had time for the fans and his team-mates love him.

“I’ve been a supporter for 60 years and I’ve never seen a farewell carried out in the manner that it was on Sunday after our pre-season win over Brest.

“He is an absolutely superb man and player. You’ve got a man there that can do a job for you in the Premier League.

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“He was on fire before he got injured against Leicester City. It took him a few weeks to come back, but when he did he came on against Brentford, he ran all the way from the middle of the park into their penalty box, he beat a couple of players and he slotted the ball home. I remember nobody expected us to win that game.

“When he is in the box, he is a handful because people don’t know what he’s going to do next. He is an absolute live wire.”

Listen to the full conversation above or on BBC Sounds here