Taiwo Awoniyi’s goal celebration against Southampton had a personal meaning for the Nottingham Forest striker.
The summer signing netted twice in Monday night’s thrilling 4-3 victory to take his tally for the season to seven. After bagging his first, he lifted his shirt to reveal a message which read: “Hallelujah Hosanna Psalm 3 v 5 Peace.”
The quote referenced is: “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.” Awoniyi was delighted to be able to share the message - and to help the Reds to three points which lifted them out of the relegation zone.
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“It is a bible verse,” said the 25-year-old. “It means for me peace. It is something personal for my own religion.”
Awoniyi opened the scoring at the City Ground by sweeping home a cross from Brennan Johnson. He then doubled the hosts’ lead just three minutes later with a superb volley on the turn, following a flick from Danilo.
The latter also got on the scoresheet, while Morgan Gibbs-White was on target from the penalty spot. Forest ended the evening three points clear of the drop zone with three games remaining.
“It was a good ball from Brennan and also from Danilo,” Awoniyi added. “It was a good volley.
“At the end we got the three points, which I am happy about. It doesn’t really matter who scores, the most important thing is for us to stay in the league.”
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