Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi has opened up on his performance in the 2–0 win over Brentford, a match in which he scored his first Premier League goal for the Tricky Trees in more than a year, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The 28-year-old came off the bench to net Forest’s second goal, marking a significant milestone after a long period of limited playing time this season. Awoniyi revealed that despite the challenges, he never doubted his ability to perform at the top level.
“For me, I’ve always believed this is where I want to be,” Awoniyi told BBC Radio Nottingham. “I’ve always believed I’m a Premier League player, no matter what is going on around me. That’s my focus. Unfortunately, with what I’ve been through over the last one-and-a-half years, I’ve not been playing a lot and haven’t been involved. The coach (Sean Dyche) came in and brought me back, which is something I’m happy about. Getting the goal is something I’m happy about. I’ve not been playing for a while, so maybe that’s why the goals are not there.”
Awoniyi’s struggle included a serious injury sustained last May during Forest’s 2–2 draw with Leicester, when he ruptured his intestine after colliding with a post. The ordeal required two operations and an induced coma, but his faith and determination helped him through.
“I’ve always believed in God,” the Nigerian forward added. “I’ve always believed in myself, and I know He will always be there for me, no matter what. To be honest, that’s something about me and my family and me; where I grew up, I’ve always said, ‘I’ve seen worse.’ The only thing that has kept me going is the man up there (God). He is the greatest and holds the key to everything. With things like this, he makes me believe He will always be there for me.”