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Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has urged his team to draw inspiration from Taiwo Awoniyi’s ongoing recovery from a life-threatening injury as they attempt to secure an unprecedented place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Forest conclude their Premier League campaign at home against Chelsea on Sunday with a slim chance of qualifying for Europe’s top competition for the first time since the 1980-81 season. For that to happen, Forest—currently seventh—must defeat fifth-placed Chelsea, while both fourth-placed Newcastle and sixth-placed Aston Villa must drop points in their respective matches against Everton and Manchester United.
Even if the Champions League proves out of reach, a win would at least ensure Forest qualify for the Europa League—an impressive feat for a side that was fighting relegation just a season ago.
Speaking on Friday, Nuno dedicated the final push of the season to striker Awoniyi, who suffered a severe abdominal injury during a recent match against Leicester. The Nigerian forward required surgery and was briefly placed in an induced coma, but is now said to be recovering steadily.
“It’s for Taiwo,” said Nuno. “He won’t be with us on the pitch, but what happened to him is still very much with us. We want to see him back with the group, fully healthy and smiling again. So this is for him—our team, the supporters, the whole city.”
Last weekend’s win at West Ham saw Forest players warm up in shirts bearing Awoniyi’s name and number, with teammate Morgan Gibbs-White dedicating his goal to the injured forward.
Providing an encouraging update on Awoniyi’s condition, Nuno said: “He’s doing much better. He’s already up and walking, and the doctors say he’s able to eat normally again. That’s a big step forward.”
Despite reports linking Nuno with a summer move to Roma, the Portuguese manager dismissed any speculation about his future, insisting his sole focus remains on preparing his team for Sunday’s crucial clash.
“Do you really think I’ve got time for that?” he said. “There’s too much to focus on here—preparing the team, working through details. That’s all I’m thinking about.”
