Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has set his sights on a UEFA Champions League spot with Nottingham Forest, describing it as a major motivation for the team as the season nears its conclusion.
Forest, managed by Portuguese tactician Nuno Espirito Santo, are among the top contenders for a place in next season’s Champions League.
The Midlands club currently sit in sixth place on the Premier League table with just three matches remaining.
They host Leicester City on Sunday with a win crucial to keeping their European dreams alive.
The Tricky Trees have enjoyed an impressive run this campaign, including a semi-final appearance in the Emirates FA Cup, where they were eventually eliminated by defending champions Manchester City.
Awoniyi, who has battled injuries this season—including a broken nose suffered during the FA Cup run—believes securing a top-five finish would make the team’s efforts worthwhile.
“Right now, it’s all about the Champions League,” Awoniyi told Humble Boots.
“We gave a lot in the FA Cup before being knocked out by Manchester City. I even broke my nose during the run.
“To justify the hard work we’ve put in this season, qualifying for the Champions League would mean everything to us as a team.”
