By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira has explained the reason behind his decision to omit Taiwo Awoniyi from the matchday squad in his side’s 1-1 home draw with Aston Villa last weekend.
Pereira was criticised for leaving out the Nigeria international, who has been impressive in recent weeks.
Awoniyi was on target in Forest’s 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur before the international break.
The gaffer said he took the decision in other to have balance in the squad.
“When you prepare for a game, you decide your squad, you think about the problems you might have,” he declared
“It was not about Taiwo or about Lucca, it was about the balance of the list.”
Awoniyi has struggled for regular playing time at Forest this season.
The Nigeria international is behind Igor Jesus and Chris Wood in the pecking order.
The forward was not included in the club’s UEFA Europa League squad.
Awoniyi has scored twice in 12 league appearances for the Tricky Trees this season.
