Certain players are built for moments of extreme pressure, the kind where seasons — and sometimes careers — hang in the balance. These are the players described as “clutch,” the ones who rise when the stakes are highest and refuse to fade when everything is on the line.

For Nottingham Forest, Taiwo Awoniyi has repeatedly proven to be that player.

Once again, Forest find themselves battling relegation, with survival rather than silverware dominating the mood at the City Ground. While other clubs dream of title races and European glory, Forest’s immediate focus is far simpler — staying in the Premier League.

Since their top-flight return in 2022, the Reds have lived in survival mode. Awoniyi, part of the club’s ambitious recruitment drive that summer, settled quickly and etched his name into club history by scoring Forest’s first Premier League goal in over two decades. He finished his debut season in double figures, delivering his biggest impact when it mattered most.

That campaign ended with a dramatic flourish. Awoniyi struck six goals in Forest’s final four matches, including the decisive winner against Arsenal that sealed safety and sparked emotional celebrations around the City Ground.

The Nigerian international repeated the feat the following season, playing a key role in helping Forest avoid the drop once more. The 2024/25 campaign saw the club push even further, briefly flirting with Champions League qualification before ultimately securing a Europa League place.

Awoniyi’s journey has not been without setbacks. A serious injury tested his resolve, but the powerful striker refused to let adversity define him. Under manager Sean Dyche, he worked his way back into contention, delivering a reminder of his value with a crucial goal off the bench against Brentford — a strike that prompted fans to draw playful comparisons with Brazilian icon Ronaldo.

Dyche praised Awoniyi’s mindset, encouraging him to rediscover his joy on the pitch. For Awoniyi, that “professional enjoyment” has often translated into decisive contributions at key moments.

The victory at Brentford proved vital in Forest’s latest survival push, and once again, Awoniyi was at the heart of it. He may not always be the most prolific scorer, but time and again, his goals arrive when Forest need them most.

Quality over quantity has become his calling card. When the pressure peaks and survival is at stake, Taiwo Awoniyi comes alive — and that, in every sense, is clutch.