Awoniyi wins Nottingham Forest’s POTM, GOTM awards

Taiwo Awoniyi, a striker for the Super Eagles, has won Nottingham Forest’s Player of the Month and Goal of the Month awards for the month of August.

For the month of August, the 25-year-old was among those named to the Premier League Player of the Month shortlist.

Awoniyi, the third African player to do so after Sheyi Adebayor and Mohammed Salah, has scored three goals in total for 184 minutes in four games for Nottingham Forest this season, extending his excellent scoring streak from last term to seven straight Premier League games.

Awoniyi will have competition for the gong award from Jarod Bowen of West Ham, James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur, Rodri of Manchester City, Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford, and Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton and Hove Albion.

The club declared him the winner of the POTM and GOTM trophies on Monday in a different statement posted on its website.

“The Nigerian has picked up from where he left off after an excellent end to last season, scoring three goals and producing an assist in four Premier League games so far this term.”

Speaking further, “In August, the striker scored three goals in three matches, becoming only the third African player to score in seven consecutive Premier League matches.

“Awoniyi’s nine goals in seven consecutive Premier League outings saw him become the first Forest player ever to do so, subsequently leading to a August Premier League Player of the Month nomination.

“Having received a whopping 83% of the Player of the Month votes, Awoniyi has also won the August Goal of the Month award for his run and finish against Manchester United.”

The announcement that he had won the GOTM award said, “Two of the striker’s three Premier League goals in August were up for the award, with his goal at Old Trafford finishing on top having received 38% of the votes.

“Much like Awoniyi’s start to the campaign, Forest made an electric start in Manchester, with Awoniyi winning possession off Marcus Rashford on halfway before bearing down on goal and producing a composed finish to beat André Onana.

“Awoniyi’s goal at Arsenal, scored after another lung-busting run upfield, finished second, whilst Chris Wood’s last-minute winner against Sheffield United finished third.

“Awoniyi, who has also been nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award, has also been voted as Forest’s Player of the Month for August having received 83% of the votes.”