Nigeria striker Taiwo Awoniyi has continued his remarkable comeback story by setting a new milestone in Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 win over Chelsea in the English Premier League.
Awoniyi scored twice in the match, helping Forest secure a vital victory at Stamford Bridge.
The performance also marked his 100th appearance for the club, making it a memorable night for the Super Eagles forward.
According to reports, Awoniyi also created a record with his display, underlining his importance to the team in the closing stages of the season.
Awoniyi’s early first strike in less than 2 minutes, is reported as one of the fastest Premier League away goals scored against Chelsea in recent seasons.
It also remains the quickest goal since December 2013, when Jay Rodriguez scored for Southampton after 13 seconds.
The striker expressed his joy after the match.
He said he was “delighted” to help his team in a crucial game, especially as Forest battle to stay clear of relegation.
Awoniyi’s latest form is even more remarkable given his recent health scare.
In May 2025, he suffered a serious abdominal injury after colliding with a goalpost and was placed in an induced coma following emergency surgery.
After months of recovery, he returned to action later in 2025 and has gradually regained form, scoring his first goal in over a year earlier this season.
His journey from a life-threatening injury back to top-level football has drawn praise from fans and analysts.
Awoniyi, who joined Nottingham Forest in 2022 for a club-record fee, remains a key part of the team’s attack.
There have also been reports linking him with interest from other European clubs, though no official transfer move has been confirmed.
With Forest now unbeaten in several matches, Awoniyi’s return to form could prove crucial as the season reaches its final stages.
