Awoniyi gives honest verdict on why Nuno Espirito Santo benched him in Forest's 1-1 draw v Chelsea

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has clarified why he did not feature in Nottingham Forest's recent 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Chris Wood put the visitors ahead just four minutes into the second half by toeing in a flicked header from Nikola Milenković, but Noni Madueke equalized for Chelsea in the 57th minute.

The 27-year-old has seen limited action for Nottingham Forest this season, appearing in four matches, three of which were as a substitute, and accumulating only 81 minutes of play.

In an interview with Onrise TV while on international duty with Nigeria, Awoniyi explained that head coach Nuno Espirito Santo's decision to leave him out was strategic.

Awoniyi further explained that the coach aimed to maintain the draw and opted to bring on Felipe Rodrigues da Silva in place of Callum Hodson-Odoi in the 82nd minute.

“Let me talk about the bench issue, it is so glaring, talking about Nottingham Forest. One thing I'll say is players that are into football and more opinionated than everyone else, when I'm not playing for now, that does not mean that I don't deserve to play," Awoniyi stated.

"The last game, we were drawing 1-1 against Chelsea, the coach (Nuno Espirito Santo) wanted to keep the point, he has to introduce a defender, and that's the coach's decision on that. 

"Playing or not playing is always the coach's decision, it's not my responsibility."

Awoniyi is in contention to play when the Super Eagles host the Mediterranean Knights of Libya on Friday, October 11, in Uyo.

The Nottingham Forest forward will compete with Victor Boniface and Kelechi Iheanacho for a spot in the starting lineup due to Victor Osimhen's absence.

A victory against Libya would significantly bolster Nigeria's chances of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco, as the Super Eagles currently top Group D with four points from their opening two games.

Adeyemi Adewale

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