Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has lauded Taiwo Awoniyi for his standout performance in the Emirates FA Cup victory over Exeter City. Awoniyi scored Forest’s second goal in the tightly contested fourth-round match, marking his second goal of the season across all competitions. The game ended 2-2 after extra time, with Forest securing a 4-2 win in the penalty shootout.
During the match, Awoniyi suffered a broken nose following a collision with Exeter goalkeeper Joe Whitworth, leading to his substitution by Chris Wood late in the second half. Despite the injury, Santo praised the striker’s resilience and contribution to the team’s success.
Santo highlighted Awoniyi’s exceptional effort and determination, noting that the Nigerian international remained in good spirits despite the injury. The manager expressed admiration for Awoniyi’s ability to perform under pressure and his positive attitude following the incident.
Overall, Awoniyi’s performance was a key factor in Forest’s progression in the FA Cup, and Santo’s comments underscored the striker’s importance to the team. The manager also provided reassurance about Awoniyi’s condition, indicating that the injury, while painful, did not dampen his morale.
