This Article Was Last Updated: August 21, 2026 by Oseg Hale
Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has explained why Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi left Nottingham Forest for the club.
Lampard said Awoniyi wanted more playing time after finding it difficult to secure regular starts at Forest.
“There is a reason why Taiwo left Nottingham Forest and came to us,” Lampard said. “Probably he is frustrated with game time,” he added.
Lampard said Coventry wanted Premier League experience when they planned their summer recruitment.
“When you look across our recruitment idea, we wanted to bring in Premier League experience,” he said.
Awoniyi joined Nottingham Forest from Union Berlin in 2022 and made 103 appearances for the club, scoring 23 goals.
However, competition for places in Forest’s attack limited his opportunities, with Chris Wood and Igor Jesus also competing for the central striker position.
Awoniyi still finished the 2025/26 season strongly, scoring three goals and providing two assists in his final six appearances for Forest.
Lampard also highlighted the Nigerian’s physical qualities and ability to bring teammates into play.
“He’s a big, strong centre-forward who can hold the ball up,” the Coventry manager said.
Lampard also remembered facing Awoniyi while managing Chelsea. “He scored against my team before when I was at Chelsea,” he said.
Coventry signed Awoniyi from Forest for a reported £9 million fee as Lampard strengthened his squad for the club’s return to the Premier League.
The 29-year-old now faces competition for a starting place as Coventry begin their first Premier League season in 25 years.
