How Awoniyi's injury caused Cooper's sacking at Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest recently had to say goodbye to former manager Steve Cooper, who led the Tricky Trees’ charge back to the Premier League after 23 years, and one of the players who was most affected by the coach’s exit would be Nigerian forward Taiwo Awoniyi, who named the ex-gaffer as one of his favourite coaches to work with.

Despite Awoniyi’s disappointment at Cooper’s exit, it is imperative to point out that the manager’s exit was partly due to the Nigerian’s recent absence.

The statistical reality reveals a profound dependency on the striking prowess of the Super Eagles star and the struggle without him.

In the nine Premier League games where Awoniyi has not been included in the starting lineup for Nottingham Forest this season, the club has failed to win even once, managing to secure only three draws while suffering six defeats (D3 L6).

After Awoniyi’s most recent injury setback that required surgery, Nottingham Forest failed to win in five consecutive Premier League matches, losing four times in that run, leading to a freefall on the Premier League table.

A closer look at Nottingham Forest's points tally reveals a striking correlation between Taiwo Awoniyi's presence in the starting XI and a positive points return for the Tricky Tees. Of the 14 points that Nottingham Forest have accumulated this season, 11 were secured when Awoniyi was part of the starting lineup.

This includes all three of Nottingham Forest's wins in the current campaign, emphasizing the pivotal role played by the Nigerian striker. Taiwo Awoniyi's influence extends beyond mere statistics; it permeates the team's style of play, their ability to create goal-scoring opportunities, and overall cohesion on the field.

His absence from the starting lineup appears to have had a palpable effect on Nottingham Forest's ability to secure positive results, and eventually, it was near impossible for Cooper to defend the consistent failure to pick up maximum points.

Cooper was replaced by former Wolves, Totttenham, and Al-Ittihad manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who will be glad to have Awoniyi return in late January, according to reports.