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Nottingham Forest’s ‘Monster’ Desperate To Take On Hammers

Nottingham Forest’s £17m ‘Monster’ Taiwo Awoniyi Desperate to Take on Hammers

Nigerian international striker says he can’t wait to play at London Stadium on Sunday after arriving from Union Berlin

Taiwo Awoniyi, the Nigerian international striker who made a £17m move from Union Berlin to promoted Nottingham Forest, has said he is desperate to show off his talents when Forest take on West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday.

Awoniyi looking forward to West Ham test

Awoniyi, who has played 17 times for his country, netted 15 goals in 31 Bundesliga appearances last season and followed that up with a goal in Union Berlin’s 3-1 DFB Pokal opening round win over Chemnitzer FC.

Now he is ready to make his mark in the Premier League, starting with the trip to West Ham.

‘I’m a monster and I’m ready to roar’

“I’m a monster and I’m ready to roar,” said the 24-year-old. “I can’t wait to get out there and show the fans what I can do. I’ve been working hard in training and I’m feeling sharp. I just want to help the team win games.

“West Ham are a good team, but we’re not afraid of them. We’re going there to win. We’ve got a good squad and we’re confident we can get a result.”

Awoniyi aiming to follow in the footsteps of Kanu and Okocha

Awoniyi is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Nigerian Premier League legends Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha, who both played for West Ham.

“Kanu and Okocha are two of my idols,” he said. “They’re both great players and I’ve always looked up to them. I hope I can follow in their footsteps and have a successful career in the Premier League.”

Awoniyi’s move to Forest is a major coup for the newly promoted club. He is a proven goalscorer and he could be the final piece of the puzzle as Forest look to establish themselves in the Premier League.