Coventry City signs Nigeria striker Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest

Taiwo Awoniyi spent four seasons at Forest, scoring 23 goals in 103 games in all competitions before losing his place for much of last term. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Coventry signed Nigeria striker Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth a reported £9 million ($12 million) on Monday.

Awoniyi will link up with Frank Lampard’s side in time for its opening game of the Premier League season at champions Arsenal on Friday.

He is Lampard’s latest recruit following the signings of Gus Hamer, Carl Rushworth, Loum Tchaouna, Aurele Amenda and Caleb Yirenkyi.

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Coventry is back in the Premier League for the first time in 25 years after winning the Championship last season.

“I am very excited about this season, and I can’t wait to get started,” Awoniyi said.

“I’m really looking forward to working with my new teammates. I have seen how amazing they have been last season, coming up from the Championship.

“They were incredible and now I am just excited to join them.”

Awoniyi, capped 10 times by Nigeria, said farewell to the City Ground when he was given a guard of honour by the Forest players during their pre-season friendly against Brest on Sunday.

The 29-year-old spent four seasons at Forest, scoring 23 goals in 103 games in all competitions before losing his place for much of last term.

He was placed in an induced coma in May 2025 after rupturing an intestine when he collided with a post during a game against Leicester.

“Taiwo will always have a special place in the history of Nottingham Forest,” the club’s owner Evangelos Marinakis said.

“He has been one of the defining figures in our journey and given our supporters moments of great joy that will never be forgotten.”