Super Eagles striker expected to lead the attack after Chelsea heroics while Ola Aina remains doubtful through injury.
Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi is expected to play a key role for Nottingham Forest when they face Aston Villa in the decisive second leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final on Thursday night.
Forest head into the clash at Villa Park holding a slim 1-0 advantage from the first leg after a disciplined performance at the City Ground last week.
Awoniyi boosted confidence ahead of the encounter after delivering an impressive display in Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea on Monday, where the Nigerian striker got on the scoresheet and continued his strong late-season form.
The former Union Berlin forward is now widely expected to retain his place in Vitor Pereira’s starting lineup as Forest aim to reach their first European final in decades.
However, there are concerns over the fitness of fellow Nigerian international Ola Aina, who remains doubtful for the high-stakes encounter due to injury concerns.
Aina has been one of Forest’s most consistent performers this season, especially in Europe, but reports in England indicate the versatile defender is still being assessed ahead of kickoff.
Forest manager Vitor Pereira is also monitoring the condition of several key players, including Morgan Gibbs-White, who suffered a facial injury in the win against Chelsea.
Despite the injury worries, Nottingham Forest travel to Birmingham full of confidence after an impressive unbeaten run across domestic and European competitions. Pereira’s men have won five consecutive matches and are dreaming of a historic UEFA Europa League final appearance.
Aston Villa, managed by Europa League specialist Unai Emery, face an uphill battle after losing the first leg. However, Villa’s strong home form in Europe means the tie remains finely balanced heading into Thursday’s showdown.
The winner of the semi-final will advance to the UEFA Europa League final in Istanbul later this month.