Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has sent a message of congratulations to Victor Osimhen after he was named African Footballer of the Year.
The Nigerian talisman will be gearing up for the African Cup of Nations that takes place next month. Awoniyi is set to miss the tournament as he recovers from groin surgery.
Forest landed Awoniyi from Union Berlin in the summer of 2022 for a fee of £17.5 million. Last season he scored 11 goals as the Reds ensured Premier League survival with a game to spare.
Awoniyi has been in the goals for Forest during 2023/24, scoring four times before injury struck. Now, the Reds must manage without him for three to four months.
Awoniyi sends message to Osimhen after awards ceremony
The talented Napoli striker has a number of top clubs interested in his services, following 65 goals in 115 appearances for the Serie A outfit.
Last night the player was announced as the African Footballer of the Year and Forest striker Awoniyi praised his international teammate on Instagram.
After Osimhen won his award, the Forest man said on Instagram: “Well deserved brother. More grace.”
Awoniyi has played alongside Osimhen several times for Nigeria and together the pair might have proved lethal at the African Cup of Nations.
Forest striker will hope to emulate Osimhen
The Serie A player must be an inspiration to Awoniyi who is still trying to gain a consistent streak at Forest.
Staying fit has been an issue for Awoniyi during his time at the City Ground and hopefully, he can stay fit when he returns.
Osimhen has become a world-class player and Walter Mazzarri called him ‘phenomenal’ back in 2021 after a typically clinical performance in Serie A.
It’s come as no surprise that Osimhen has been named as the African Footballer of the Year and clearly Forest star Awoniyi is delighted for his teammate.
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