Nottingham Forest coach Nuno Espirito Santo has called on his players to secure a victory against Chelsea in Sunday’s Premier League finale, aiming to clinch a historic spot in the UEFA Champions League as a tribute to Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi, who is recovering from a severe injury.
Awoniyi sustained a serious abdominal injury after colliding with a post during Forest’s recent 1-1 draw with Leicester City. Following surgery, the Nigerian striker was placed in an induced coma but is now reportedly improving. Nuno shared an encouraging update on Awoniyi’s condition, revealing the striker has begun walking and returned to a normal diet.
The upcoming match at the City Ground is crucial for Forest, who currently sit seventh in the league table. A win over fifth-placed Chelsea, combined with unfavorable results for fourth-placed Newcastle United and sixth-placed Aston Villa, would guarantee Forest a top-five finish — their first return to Europe’s premier club competition since the 1980-81 season.
“This one is for Taiwo,” Nuno said in a pre-match press conference. “He’s not going to be with us, but what happened to him is a big issue and it’s on our minds. We want to see him totally healthy and enjoying the group again. It’s for Taiwo, for us, for the fans, for the city, for everybody.”
Even if Forest fall short of Champions League qualification, victory over Chelsea would still secure a place in the UEFA Europa League.
Speculation has surrounded Nuno’s future at Forest, with reports linking him to Italian club Roma after the season ends. The coach, however, brushed off such rumours, insisting his sole focus remains on preparing his team for Sunday’s decisive game.
“Do you really think I’m going to waste time on that?” he remarked. “My main focus is preparing the team, finding the best solutions and details for the players. Nothing else.”
Forest’s challenge is monumental, considering their fight against relegation last season, but a victory on Sunday could mark one of the most remarkable achievements in the club’s recent history.
