Super Eagles forward, Taiwo Awoniyi has been honoured with the PFA Community Champion award for the 2024/25 season by Nottingham Forest, in recognition of his impactful community service off the pitch.
Despite a difficult campaign plagued by injuries and limited playing time, Awoniyi remained a positive influence in the Nottingham community. The 27-year-old managed just one goal in 26 appearances for the Tricky Trees, often playing second fiddle to Chris Wood and struggling for fitness throughout the season.
However, while his on-field contributions were limited, Awoniyi made significant efforts off the pitch. In March, he hosted a community meal in Nottingham, serving Iftar to Muslims during Ramadan and offering a meal break for Christians observing Lent — an act that highlighted unity and compassion across faiths.
His gestures of appreciation also extended to fans. Throughout the season, Awoniyi was often seen applauding supporters after matches and sharing heartfelt messages with them on social media.
On Tuesday, Nottingham Forest announced his recognition as the PFA Community Champion via their official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating: “Taiwo Awoniyi has been named our PFA Community Champion for the 2024/25 season in recognition of his outstanding dedication to supporting local communities throughout the year.”
Awoniyi’s commitment comes after a recent health scare. Just weeks ago, the striker underwent surgery to treat a ruptured intestine sustained during Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City. The injury, described as life-threatening, saw him briefly hospitalized.
Fortunately, he has since made a strong recovery. Awoniyi was seen attending Nottingham Forest’s final Premier League fixture of the season against Chelsea, and he is expected to return to full training in time for pre-season, should he remain at the club.
The award is a testament not just to his character but also to the wider impact footballers can have beyond the pitch, especially in moments of personal adversity.
