Taiwo Awoniyi Backed to Shine for Coventry After Premier League Return
Taiwo Awoniyi has been backed to make a major impact at Coventry City after his early displays suggested he is “hungry, lean and fitter” ahead of a demanding run of Premier League fixtures.
Awoniyi offers Coventry a focal point
The 29-year-old striker has joined Coventry following the club’s return to the Premier League after 25 years away. He is still waiting for his first league goal, but he has already scored in the Carabao Cup victory over Plymouth and has created opportunities in Coventry’s opening top-flight matches.
Former Coventry forward Clinton Morrison believes Awoniyi looks transformed after a difficult, injury-hit final period at Nottingham Forest.
“He looks much better and he looks hungry,” Morrison said. “At Forest, it was stop-start because of injuries. When you are not the first-choice player and only get five or 10 minutes from the bench, it is difficult to build confidence.
“At Coventry he looks like a different player. He is running in behind and causing problems. If he scores the goals needed to keep them up, £10-12 million could prove to be a bargain.”
Forest record shows survival pedigree
Awoniyi was Nottingham Forest’s first arrival after their 2022 promotion, which ended a 23-year wait for Premier League football. He struck 10 league goals in his first campaign and finished his four-year spell with 23 goals from 103 appearances in all competitions.
A serious injury in May 2025 threatened to derail his progress, but he returned to contribute to Forest’s successful battle to remain in the division. Coventry are now asking him to lead another survival fight.
Coventry’s opening-week pressure
- Coventry began the 2026-27 Premier League season with a defeat away to champions Arsenal.
- They were then beaten late by fellow promoted side Hull City.
- Erling Haaland’s goal settled their trip to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
- Awoniyi scored against Plymouth in the Carabao Cup and now targets a league breakthrough.
Frank Lampard altered his approach against City, moving to a five-man defence. Morrison suggested the change may have been tailored to that particular opponent, with Coventry’s setup against Brighton likely to provide a clearer indication of the manager’s longer-term plan.
The Sky Blues have attacking options despite their slow start. Haji Wright is expected back from injury, while £20 million signing Sidiki Cherif adds another young forward option. Morrison also identified Jack Rudoni, Ephron Mason-Clark and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto as players capable of supplying goals from wide areas.
International ambition remains
Awoniyi has won 10 caps for Nigeria, although his most recent international appearance came in 2023. A return to the Super Eagles picture will not be straightforward with Victor Osimhen established as the leading centre-forward, but regular starts at Coventry could improve his case for a squad recall.
Awoniyi joined Liverpool in 2015 but did not make a competitive first-team appearance before building his career elsewhere. Coventry have handed him the chance to become their primary No. 9, and Morrison feels a first Premier League goal could trigger a productive spell.
“Everybody wants to represent their country,” Morrison said. “Osimhen is one of the best strikers, so it will be difficult, but being around the squad is the aim. Coventry have given him the chance to be their main striker. Once that first goal comes, he can go on a run.”
What happens next
- Coventry face Brighton, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest before the September international break.
- Awoniyi will seek to convert his promising early chances into his first Premier League goal for the club.
- Lampard must decide whether to retain the back-five system or restore a more attacking shape.
- Coventry’s wider scorers will be crucial if Awoniyi is to receive the service required to lead their survival bid.
Morrison believes there is no need for Coventry to panic yet, but Awoniyi’s ability to reproduce the decisive goals he delivered in Forest relegation battles could quickly become central to their season.
