League Cup: Taiwo Awoniyi scores and assists on Coventry debut

25.08.26 FT EFL Cup (Carabao Cup)

Plymouth

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Coventry

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Taiwo Awoniyi wasted no time making an impression on his new fans. In his first start for Coventry City, the Nigerian striker found the net just three minutes into the League Cup clash against Plymouth, before setting up a teammate for a goal two minutes later.

It took just three minutes for Taiwo Awoniyi to open his Coventry account. Set up by Ghanaian midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, the Nigerian slotted home to give the Sky Blues an early advantage.

Just two minutes later, he was at it again, this time turning provider. A sensational start for the 29-year-old, directly involved in two goals in just five minutes. Coventry eventually ran out 4-2 winners over Plymouth to advance in the League Cup.

This performance is a clear confirmation of the qualities of a striker who already knows the demands of English football inside out. Coventry officially signed him from Nottingham Forest on August 17, in a deal reportedly worth £9 million.

An encouraging final season at Nottingham Forest

Yet Awoniyi was coming off a campaign where his playing time was inconsistent. In the 2025-26 Premier League, he featured in 17 matches, scoring four goals and providing one assist in 494 minutes.

His overall record from four seasons at Nottingham Forest remains impressive: 21 league goals for the English club. Before his time at Forest, the Nigerian also made his mark at Union Berlin, netting 15 Bundesliga goals in the 2021-22 season.

Coventry have already found their new attacking asset

Signed to bring his Premier League experience to a team returning to the English top flight after 25 years away, Awoniyi has quickly proven his worth.

His partnership with Caleb Yirenkyi, who provided the assist for his debut goal, has already shown promise. And after a tough start to the season for Coventry, including a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League, this League Cup qualification and the display from their new centre-forward offer Frank Lampard his first real boost of optimism.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

Related teams and leagues

Plymouth

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EFL Cup (Carabao Cup)