Nigerian Striker Taiwo Awoniyi Closes In on Haaland Goals Record

• Taiwo Awoniyi has taken his goal tally in the English Premier League this season to four
• All the Nigerian's goals so far have come from open play, just one shy of Haaland and Kane
• His strike against Southampton has helped Nottingham Forest escape the relegation zone

Nigerian international, Taiwo Awoniyi is just one goal away from equalling Erling Haaland’s goal record from open play in the English Premier League this season.

The Nottingham Forest striker has scored four times from open play, just one shy of that of both Haaland and Harry Kane.

Awoniyi was on the score sheet again against Southampton, helping Forest escape from the relegation zone after a tense 1-0 victory.

The 25-year-old reacted quickly to tuck home Brennan Johnson’s pass from close range in the 27th minute, to help his side claim all three precious points.

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It was his fourth league goal of the season, with only Haaland and Kane managing this feat five times in more league games this season.

Awoniyi also urged his teammates to continue to fight, via the club’s website:

“We’ve been looking for this for a long time, and the gaffer was saying to us that we have to improve our away form, and we’re happy to have the three points. You have to work hard in every game in the Premier League, and you’ll see the results if you keep going and keep fighting."

Awoniyi admitted Forest was still in the process as far as progress as a team, but he believes moving out of the bottom three is only the start.

“We have to keep going, keep believing, and fight for each other. It was a good press from the team for the goal; Brennan was brilliant with his energy and speed to get the ball into the box, and I just had to be there to finish.”

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Awoniyi celebrates MOTM award

Sports Brief earlier reported that Nigerian striker Awoniyi has celebrated his award as man of the match award, following Nottingham Forest's Premier League game against Chelsea.

It was a tough match for Awoniyi and his teammates, who played in front of their fans to a hard-fought 1-1 draw.

After the game, the Super Eagles star celebrated with his parents and other members of his family, and gave his wife a kiss.