Nottingham Forest striker has been nominated for the Premier League Player of the Matchweek after delivering a decisive performance against Chelsea.
The Nigerian forward was shortlisted following Forest's 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Monday, a result that strengthened the club's push for survival in the closing weeks of the season.
Awoniyi marked his 100th Forest appearance with his first brace since 2023, scoring twice and creating the second goal from the penalty spot. He opened the scoring after just 98 seconds with a header from Dilane Bakwa's cross, then won a penalty in the 15th minute after being pulled down by Malo Gusto, which Igor Jesus converted.
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He added his second in the 52nd minute following work from substitute Morgan Gibbs-White to make it 3-0, before Joao Pedro scored a late consolation for Chelsea. The win moved Forest six points clear of the relegation zone with three games left, while Chelsea got a sixth straight league defeat that ended any lingering hope of a top-five finish.
He will contend for the award against Jeremy Doku, Bukayo Saka, Thierno Barry, Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo and Victor Gyokeres. The nomination rewards a timely return to form for Awoniyi, who has endured an injury-disrupted campaign but has again proven effective against Chelsea, the same opponent he last scored twice against in 2023.