Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has played down speculation over his future at Nottingham Forest after scoring his first Premier League goal in over a year during Sunday's 2–0 victory over West Ham United.

Awoniyi sealed the win at the City Ground with a solo finish from a swift counter-attacking move, doubling Forest's advantage after Brazilian forward Igor Jesus had given the hosts the lead in the first half.

The strike marked a significant moment for the Nigerian international, who endured a frustrating spell last season due to injuries and a dip in form, limiting his involvement and sparking doubts over his long-term future at the club.

Those struggles had fueled reports of a possible return to the Bundesliga, with Mainz and Werder Bremen reportedly monitoring his situation ahead of the winter transfer window deadline.

However, speaking after the match, Awoniyi suggested he remains committed to Nottingham Forest, insisting he still sees his future in the Premier League.

"I have always believed this is where I want to be. I have always believed I am a Premier League player, no matter what's going on around me," Awoniyi told Forest TV.

He praised manager Sean Dyche for his role in helping him rediscover his form, attributing his goal drought to a prolonged lack of game time.

"That's my focus. Unfortunately, what I have been through over the last one-and-a-half years, I have not been playing a lot and I have not been involved.

"The coach came in and he brought me back and this is something I am happy about and getting the goal today is something I am happy about." 

Reflecting on his long wait for a goal, the Super Eagles striker admitted match sharpness played a role but highlighted his faith and self-belief as key factors in his comeback.

"I have not been playing for a while as well and maybe that's why the goal is not there." 

"Getting the goal is what I am pleased about but the most important thing is that I have always believed in God and myself. I always knew he would be there for me," he added. 

Awoniyi also praised strike partner Igor Jesus for his all-round contribution and opening goal, underlining the importance of teamwork among forwards.

"For every centre forward you just want to be there. You want to be there for your teammates, Igor is my good friend, we speak to each other a lot, and what he is doing on the pitch as well, fighting, keeping the ball, that's what every centre forward does, that's what I do.

"Then at the end, we just want to crown it with that kind of finishing. I pointed to his chest, what a phenomenal finish as well," Awoniyi said. 

Buoyed by the goal, Awoniyi will be eager to build on his resurgence as Nottingham Forest continue their fight to retain their Premier League status.

Adeyemi Adewale