Cooper Rules Out Awoniyi from Luton’s Visit to Forest  

Femi Solaja  with agency report

Nottingham Forest Coach, Steve Cooper,  yesterday confirmed that Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, will not be fit enough to play when they welcome Luton Town to City Ground as Premier League games return tomorrow after the international window.

Awoniyi sustained an injury just before Forest’s Premier League game against Crystal Palace two weeks ago and was not available in the two friendly matches played in recent FIFA window where Nigeria drew 2-2 with Saudi Arabia but managed 3-2 win over Mozambique. 

Awoniyi was ruled out of action for four weeks. 

Nottingham Forest return to Premier League action this weekend, and during the pre-match presser, Cooper stated that Awoniyi is yet to return to full fitness. 

“He’s progressing well; he’s not far off some training, to be honest. Let’s see how next week goes,” Cooper told Nottingham Post.

Awoniyi is Nottingham Forest’s highest goalscorer in the Premier League this season with three goals. He has also supplemented with two assists to help the Tricky Trees to 13th place on the league table. 

Chris Wood would have to start in the Nigerian’s place, and Cooper would hope that the 31-year-old delivers the goods against a Luton side that have conceded 15 goals in eight top-flight games.