Alious**Taiwo Awoniyi Shines as Nottingham Forest Edge Past Exeter City to Reach FA Cup Fifth Round**
Super Eagles striker **Taiwo Awoniyi** delivered a standout performance on Tuesday night, finding the back of the net in a gripping FA Cup clash between **Nottingham Forest** and **Exeter City** at **St. James’ Park**.
Awoniyi scored Forest’s second goal in a match that ended **2-2** after regular time, forcing a penalty shootout where Forest triumphed **4-2** to secure their spot in the **fifth round** of the tournament.
### **Awoniyi’s Moment of Brilliance**
Despite enduring a challenging season, Awoniyi showcased his clinical finishing skills with a sensational goal just before halftime. After **Josh Magennis** gave Exeter an early lead, Forest quickly responded with an equalizer from **Ramon Sosa** in the 15th minute.
Awoniyi then seized the moment, turning the tide with a brilliant strike. Under intense pressure from four Exeter defenders and with his back to goal, he executed a flawless spin and curled a low, precise shot from 20 yards out—leaving goalkeeper **Joe Whitworth** with no chance.
### **Late Drama and Penalty Shootout Triumph**
The game took another dramatic turn when Magennis netted his second goal, capitalizing on a costly error by Forest goalkeeper **Carlos Miguel** during a corner. Despite the setback, Forest held firm, pushing the match into penalties, where they held their nerve to clinch victory.
### **A Crucial Goal for Awoniyi’s Confidence**
Awoniyi’s goal was more than just a highlight of the match—it could mark a turning point in his season. Prior to this fixture, he had managed just **one goal in his last 21 appearances**, often playing second fiddle to **Chris Wood** in Forest’s attacking lineup.
This vital contribution not only boosts his confidence but also strengthens his case for a return to the **Super Eagles** squad ahead of the **2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers** in March. His performance may have caught the attention of Nigeria’s coaching staff, potentially earning him a recall to international duty.
### **What’s Next for Nottingham Forest?**
With this hard-fought win, Nottingham Forest will now prepare to host **Ipswich Town** in the fifth round of the **Emirates FA Cup**, as they continue their quest for silverware. Awoniyi, riding the momentum of his crucial goal, will be eager to build on this form in the coming fixtures.
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