Aina injured, Awoniyi subbed on as Nottingham Forest open Premier League season with draw

Ola Aina against Bournemouth | Imago

Aina injured, Awoniyi subbed on as Nottingham Forest open Premier League season with draw

Ayoola Kelechi 17:15 - 17.08.2024

The Nigerian duo started the Premier League season with Nottingham Forest against Bournemouth

Super Eagles stars Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina were involved as Nottingham Forest started their 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.

A goal each from Chris Wood and Antoine Semenyo were the game deciders as the Tricky Trees and Cherries shared the points in the first draw of the new Premier League season.

How it happened

Nottingham Forest suffered an early blow as star midfielder Danilo had to be substituted due to a disturbing injury from an awkward collision and fall, with initial reactions suggesting that the injury might be quite serious.

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There was some succour for the Tricky Tees, however, as his replacement Ryan Yates made an immediate impact forcing a save from Neto, who fumbled the ball, allowing Chris Wood to open the scoring from close range.

Ten minutes later, Forest's defence had a lucky escape. After a disastrous attempt to clear a corner in their six-yard box, they conceded, but Dango Ouattara’s goal was disallowed due to an offside in the build-up.

Ola Aina playing for Nottingham Forest | Imago
Ola Aina playing for Nottingham Forest | Imago Ola Aina playing for Nottingham Forest | Imago

Less than 10 minutes after the start of the second half, Nottingham Forest’s luck turned for the worse as Nigerian defender Aina was also forced off with an apparent injury.

Their run of bad luck got worse as Semenyo found a crucial equaliser for Bournemouth in the 86th minute with a low drive to tie the game at 1-1.

Awoniyi started the game against Bournemouth on the bench | Imago
Awoniyi started the game against Bournemouth on the bench | Imago Awoniyi started the game against Bournemouth on the bench | Imago

Super Eagles striker Awoniyi, who was tipped to be Nottingham Forest’s top scorer this season, could only afford 18 minutes on the pitch, failing to make an impact.

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