VIDEO: Forest treat Awoniyi to emotional farewell ahead of Coventry City move

Nottingham Forest have treated Taiwo Awoniyi, Super Eagles of Nigeria striker, to an emotional farewell from the club ahead of his imminent transfer to Coventry City.

The 29-year-old received the adulation of players, staff, and fans during the halftime of Nottingham Forest’s pre-season friendly match against Stade Brest at the City Ground. Forest won the match 2-0, their final pre-season game before the EPL starts next weekend.

Awoniyi was not dressed for the match after he received the club’s permission to finalise his £17 million transfer to Coventry, the club newly promoted to the EPL.

Look what it means🙌🏻shows how much he was appreciated in the changing room for players to do this❤️ All the best T #NFFC pic.twitter.com/Z5m3pwineu

— Kieran (@KieranCallum29_) August 16, 2026

Farewell Taiwo Awoniyi you will always have a special place in our affections #nffc pic.twitter.com/98sH8vci08

— nedski67 🔴 ⚪️🌳 (@nedski67) August 16, 2026

The former Liverpool youngster was given a guard of honour by the club’s players and staff, then lifted into the air as fans joined in with raucous cheers. Ola Aina, Awoniyi’s compatriot in the Super Eagles and Forest teammate, was at the centre of the celebration.

Oliver Glasner, Nottingham Forest’s new coach, described the departing striker as one of the loveliest players in the team who always wore a smile.

“He was probably one of the loveliest guys I’ve met, always friendly, always smiling,” said Forest boss said.

“Everybody in the club likes him, and I could see everybody in the stand likes him because this is what everybody appreciates.”

Awoniyi joined Nottingham Forest for a then-club-record £17.2 million and has spent four years with the club. He scored 23 goals in all competitions from 103 appearances.