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Frank Lampard believes Taiwo Awoniyi can become an important player for Coventry City following his move from Nottingham Forest.
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The Nigerian striker joined Coventry in a deal worth around £9m after seeking more regular first-team opportunities.
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Lampard says Awoniyi’s Premier League experience, physical strength and ability to hold up the ball will be valuable to Coventry.
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Awoniyi has promised to repay his new manager’s confidence with goals and hard work.
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The striker will reunite with fellow Nigerian Frank Onyeka as Coventry begin life back in the Premier League.
August 21, (THEWILL) — Frank Lampard has backed Taiwo Awoniyi to play a major role at Coventry City after the Nigerian striker completed his move from Nottingham Forest.
Awoniyi joined the newly promoted Premier League club in a deal worth around £9m, bringing an end to his four-year spell at Nottingham Forest.
The 29-year-old’s opportunities at Forest became increasingly limited towards the end of his time at the City Ground, with competition for places affecting his regular involvement.
Lampard believes Awoniyi’s desire for more playing time was an important reason behind his decision to move to Coventry and says the striker’s hunger could work in the club’s favour.
Lampard said, “There is a reason why Taiwo left Nottingham Forest and came to us. We really like him and hope he’s going to be great for us.
“We are aware of that and I would flip that to the mental side of Taiwo; probably he is frustrated with game time.
“So, I like a player that is hungry to play and get his minutes; of course, we have to look after him and prepare him. But I like a player that wants to be the man and play more minutes.”
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Lampard expects Awoniyi to bring Premier League experience
Coventry are preparing for their return to the Premier League and have targeted players capable of handling the demands of top-flight football.
Lampard believes Awoniyi fits that profile because of his previous experience in England’s highest division.
The manager also highlighted the Nigerian’s strength and ability to hold up the ball as qualities that could prove important for Coventry.
“When you look across our recruitment idea, we wanted to bring in Premier League experience. Power and strength, a player that can hold the ball up and I think he is very valuable,” Lampard said.
Awoniyi’s physical presence gives Coventry another option in attack, particularly in matches where the team may need to play more directly against stronger opponents.
His ability to occupy defenders and bring teammates into attacking situations could also make him an important part of Lampard’s plans.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
