In the previous season, Nottingham Forest secured their place in the Premier League, with Taiwo Awoniyi playing a pivotal role. While the Nigerian star is recovering from a serious injury, The Kick Off Nigeria explores the details of Awoniyi’s salary, his contribution to the team’s success, and his trajectory in the football world. Is he worth the money?
Awoniyi’s Salary at Nottingham Forest
The Nigerian striker, returning to England after multiple loans, signed a contract with Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2022, valid until June 30, 2027. Forest signed Awoniyi after ending a 23-year absence from England’s top division and he knew helping them stay up would constitute a successful season. Years of relegation battles had fortified him for the challenge.
“I was never in doubt that the team would stay up, because I know how much they wanted the club to be where they wanted it to be. I was not really afraid at all. I just said: ‘OK, this is what I want. This is my dream to be in the Premier League and I have a club that is really, really ready to give me the opportunity.’, – said Awoniyi in an interview with The Guardian.
Over the next four years, Awoniyi is set to earn €12,154,334, excluding bonuses. For the 2023/2024 season, he will receive €3,038,584, equivalent to €58,434 per week.
|
Annual Salary |
€ 3,038,584 |
2,630,149,816 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Monthly Salary |
€ 253,215 |
219,178,863 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Weekly Salary |
€ 58,434 |
50,581,852 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Daily Salary |
€ 8,348 |
7,227,463 Nigerian Nairas |
Team Overview and Comparison
Nottingham Forest’s total salary expenditure for the 2023/2024 season is €82,988,393, averaging €1,595,930 per week. Awoniyi stands among the top foreign players in terms of salary, ranking ninth overall. Additionally, he shares the second position among all African players in the team with defender Serge Aurier.
|
Player |
Country |
Annual Salary (EUR) |
|
Ibrahim Sangare |
Cote d’Ivoire |
€ 4,557,875 |
|
Serge Aurier |
Cote d’Ivoire |
€ 3,038,584 |
|
Taiwo Awoniyi |
Nigeria |
€ 3,038,584 |
|
Moussa Niakhate |
Senegal |
€ 2,734,725 |
|
Cheikhou Kouyate |
Senegal |
€ 2,734,725 |
Career Salary Growth
Awoniyi’s salary experienced a temporary dip during his loan spells but saw significant growth after a successful stint with Union Berlin and his return to England. His current earnings mark the peak of his career, more than doubling his previous income.
|
Club |
Annual Salary (EUR) |
Annual Salary (NGN) |
|
Nottingham Forest (2022/2024) |
€ 3,038,584 |
2,630,149,816 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Union Berlin (2021/2022) |
€ 1,501,919 |
1,300,317,807 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Union Berlin (2020/2021) |
€ 490,627 |
424,999,495 Nigerian Nairas |
|
FSV Mainz 05 (2019/2020) |
€ 480,614 |
416,325,859 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Royal Excel Mouscron/K.A.A.Gent (2018/2019) |
€ 370,473 |
320,959,081 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Royal Excel Mouscron(2017/2018) |
€ 230,294 |
199,515,081 Nigerian Nairas |
|
NEC Nijmegen (2016/2017) |
€ 290,370 |
251,574,160 Nigerian Nairas |
Market Value Profile
Despite a slight decline in transfer value in 2020, Awoniyi’s market worth has surged sixfold in the last two years. As of now, Transfermarkt.com estimates his transfer value at €30 million, ranking him third among both Nottingham Forest players and Nigerian national team members.
|
Club |
Year |
Market Value |
|
Nottingham Forest |
2023 |
€ 30,000,000 |
|
Nottingham Forest |
2022 |
€ 20,000,000 |
|
Union Berlin |
2021 (December) |
€ 15,000,000 |
|
Union Berlin |
2021 (June) |
€ 5,000,000 |
|
FSV Mainz 05 |
2020 |
€ 3,200,000 |
|
Royal Excel Mouscron |
2019 |
€ 4,500,000 |
|
K.A.A.Gent |
2018 (December) |
€ 1,500,000 |
|
Royal Excel Mouscron |
2018 (January) |
€ 800,000 |
|
NEC Nijmegen |
2017 |
€ 400,000 |
|
FSV Frankfurt/Liverpool FC |
2015-2016 |
€ 300,000 |
International Achievements
While making his debut for the senior Nigerian national team in 2021, Awoniyi gained prominence in youth competitions. He played a crucial role in Nigeria’s victory in the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup and won the African U-20 Cup of Nations in 2015.
Football and Salary Prospects
In the early stages of the 2023/2024 season, Awoniyi started as a substitute but secured more playing time with notable performances. Leading the goal-scoring charts for Nottingham Forest, his continued success could lead to a salary increase by the end of the season.
Kick Off Nigeria wishes Taiwo a speedy recovery from his injury. Taiwo Awoniyi’s journey as a key player at Nottingham Forest showcases his remarkable skills and impact on the team. As he continues to shine on the field, his future prospects look promising, both domestically and internationally.
