Morrison tips Taiwo Awoniyi to shine at Coventry, help Club beat relegation
Former Coventry City striker Clinton Morrison believes Taiwo Awoniyi has rediscovered his hunger and sharpness and can play a key role in helping the newly promoted club retain their Premier League status.
Awoniyi joined Coventry City from Nottingham Forest in a reported £9m summer transfer, with manager Frank Lampard handing the Nigerian striker a leading role in the Sky Blues’ attack following their return to the top flight after a 25-year absence. 
Morrison, who spent two spells with Coventry during his playing career, believes the move has already brought a different version of the 29-year-old striker to the fore.
Speaking to GOAL, Morrison said Awoniyi appears more confident, sharper and hungrier after struggling for regular playing time and battling injuries towards the end of his Nottingham Forest career.
“He looks much better. He looks hungry,” Morrison said.
“He didn’t really play at Forest. It was a bit of a stop-start. He had injuries. And then when you’re not number one and you’re coming off the bench for five minutes here and there, you’re not going to get confidence.”
According to Morrison, Coventry’s decision to make Awoniyi their main attacking option could prove crucial both for the player and the club.
“I think what he’s shown to me at Coventry is that he’s a different player. He looks hungry, runs in behind, he’s causing a lot of problems,” he added. 
The former Premier League striker believes Awoniyi could ultimately prove to be a bargain if his goals help Coventry survive their first season back in the elite division.
“For me, I think he’ll be a good signing. And for what they’re paying, I think £10-12m, it could be a bargain if he scores the goals to keep them up,” Morrison said. 
Awoniyi arrived at Coventry after four seasons at Nottingham Forest, where he scored 21 Premier League goals in 90 appearances.
His first season at Forest was particularly productive, with the Nigerian scoring 11 league goals to help the club avoid relegation after their return to the Premier League. 
However, injuries subsequently disrupted his progress, including a serious groin injury in 2025, while competition for places increasingly limited his opportunities.
His Coventry switch has offered him a fresh start and, importantly, the prospect of regular football under Lampard.
Awoniyi has already opened his account for the club, scoring in Coventry’s League Cup victory over Plymouth just three minutes after coming on. 
His return to consistent club football has also revived talk of a possible Super Eagles recall.
Awoniyi has 10 senior international caps but has not featured for Nigeria since 2023. His current form gives him an opportunity to force his way back into the national team picture, particularly with competition for attacking positions intensifying. 
For Coventry, however, the immediate priority is survival.
After securing promotion to the Premier League, Lampard will be relying heavily on Awoniyi’s experience, physical presence and goals as the Sky Blues attempt to establish themselves in the top flight.
Morrison believes the ingredients are already there, with Awoniyi looking fitter, more motivated and ready to embrace the responsibility of leading Coventry’s attack.
The Nigerian now has the opportunity to turn that renewed hunger into goals and potentially play a decisive role in keeping Coventry in the Premier League.
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