Nigeria international, Taiwo Awoniyi, is relishing the prospect of making his Premier League debut next weekend with Nottingham Forest, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Steve Cooper’s side paid a reported £17m for Awoniyi after he scored 20 goals in 43 games across all competitions last season for Union Berlin.
And he hopes the Nigerian can help Forest stay up in the Premier League after a 23-year absence.
Awoniyi who failed to make any competitive appearance for Liverpool before he was finally sold to Union Berlin last season is hoping for a big season in the Premier League.
“The Bundesliga is a big league and one of the toughest in Europe, so I’m grateful that I got a chance to play there,” he told The BBC.
“I’ve been through a lot in my career to get here and I know it’s not everyone that will get to fulfill their life ambition. I am here now and I know there will be another young player in Africa who will be dreaming of playing on this stage.
“The hard work starts now and I can’t wait to get started.”
The 24-year-old also believes his arrival at the newly-promoted Nottingham Forest will attract fans from Africa’s most populous nation to the club.
Awoniyi becomes the country’s latest export, joining compatriots Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi (both Leicester City), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Joe Aribo (Southampton) and Alex Iwobi (Everton).
“Our fans love to watch and support Nigerians playing in the Premier League and I believe some of them will try to create a Nottingham Forest fanbase, too,” Awoniyi continued.
“I know Nigerians like some clubs already, but when you have one of their own and play attractive football, you will automatically get them on your side.
“I believe they will support us, and of course, I have my friends and family who were already waiting for me to play in England. It will be an exciting one for them.”
“The Premier League is very big in Nigeria because of players like Kanu, Okocha, Yakubu, Yobo, Odemwingie and many others who all played here,” Awoniyi added.
“Many people pick their clubs depending on where a Nigerian is playing or teams the family like. We all grew up watching it and love it, and it is actually a dream come true to know that millions will be watching me now.
“I want to give my best all the time and by God’s grace it will help us achieve our goals.”
Since making his senior debut for Nigeria last October, Awoniyi has won four caps and scored his first goal for his nation against Sudan at the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
