Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi played a crucial record-breaking role in Nottingham Forest’s impressive 3-1 Premier League win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday afternoon, Afrik-Foot reports.
The Super Eagles striker netted a stunning brace to power struggling Nottingham Forest to a win that derails Chelsea’s hopes of finishing in a Champions League spot.
Igor Jesus scored the other goal for Forest from the penalty spot, but all the spotlight will be on Awoniyi, who secured a first Premier League brace since scoring twice in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 2023. The 27-year-old thus becomes the first Nigerian to score twice in two different games at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.
Former Arsenal man Nwankwo Kanu is the only other Nigerian to score multiple goals in a single match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Awoniyi records wreck Chelsea
Awoniyi’s first goal, on his 100th Forest appearance, came with barely two minutes on the clock. Dilane Bakwa found space on the right and delivered a perfect cross for an unmarked Awoniyi at the back post to head home.
That goal broke a 13-year record at Stamford Bridge. There were only 97 seconds on the clock when the header went in. According to the BBC, it is the earliest Premier League away goal against Chelsea since 2013.
Shortly after, Awoniyi won a penalty from Malo Gusto, which Igor Jesus converted to double Forest’s lead in the 15th minute.