Awoniyi, Aina: What Glasner’s arrival could mean for Forest duo

Nottingham Forest’s decision to replace Vitor Pereira with Oliver Glasner has reshaped the outlook for several players at the City Ground, including Super Eagles pair Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina, Afrik Foot reports.

The Austrian arrives with a clearly defined tactical identity, one that delivered success during his spell at Crystal Palace. His preference for a back three supported by attacking wing-backs and a front three means every player will have to earn their place from scratch.

For Nigeria’s two representatives, however, the managerial change creates two very different questions.

Coach Oliver GLASNER. Copyright: Imago

Taiwo Awoniyi faces a defining summer

Very few Forest players have more at stake than Taiwo Awoniyi. The 28-year-old enters the final year of his contract, with no renewal discussions understood to have taken place despite hopes that talks would accelerate under Pereira after the striker returned to action towards the end of last season.

The Portuguese coach had gradually reintegrated Awoniyi following his injury setbacks, offering encouraging signs that he still featured in Forest’s long-term plans.

Glasner’s appointment changes that scenario entirely. Unlike a manager who already knew the Nigerian’s qualities, the former Crystal Palace boss arrives without any attachment to the existing hierarchy. That creates both an opportunity and a risk.

If Glasner is convinced quickly that Awoniyi suits his system, Forest could move to secure his future with a new contract before the Premier League season kicks off.

Neco Williams, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Nikola Milenkovic. Copyright: Imago

If not, allowing the former Union Berlin striker to run into the final months of his deal would make little financial sense, and a summer exit would seem like a feasible outcome.

Does Awoniyi fit Glasner’s attack?

There are clear reasons for optimism. Glasner has often preferred physically dominant centre-forwards capable of pressing, occupying centre-backs and creating space for their attacking partners.

At his best, those qualities define Awoniyi’s game. His running, aerial presence and willingness to work without possession could make him an attractive option if Glasner continues with the system that brought success at Eintracht Frankfurt and Crystal Palace.

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi. Copyright: xMIxNewsx IMAGO

The concern is availability rather than ability. Recurring groin problems have prevented Awoniyi from establishing any real momentum over the past two seasons.

Glasner, arriving with ambitions of pushing Forest towards the UEFA Champions League places, may not have the luxury of waiting for a player still trying to rediscover rhythm and consistency, not after the club owner Evangelos Marinakis has sacked four coaches in the past year.

Ola Aina must evolve beyond full-back

Unlike Awoniyi, Ola Aina is unlikely to face immediate doubts over his place in the squad.

The Super Eagles defender has established himself as one of Forest’s most dependable performers and remains highly regarded after another impressive campaign.

Yet Glasner’s tactical demands could still alter his role significantly. The Austrian coach rarely relies on traditional full-backs.

Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest. Copyright: Imago xPaulxBonserx/xSports

Instead, his system is built around energetic wing-backs expected to provide width, create chances and recover quickly in defensive transitions.

Fortunately for Aina, versatility has become one of his greatest strengths throughout his career.

Having already played as both a right-back and left-back, the former Chelsea academy graduate possesses the athleticism and technical quality required to operate higher up the pitch.

However, there is another possibility. Given his defensive intelligence and comfort in one-on-one situations, Glasner could also view Aina as an option on the right side of a back three.

While Glasner’s arrival offers fresh opportunities, it also removes previous guarantees.

Every player begins with a clean slate under a new manager, regardless of performances under the previous regime.

For Aina, adapting quickly to Glasner’s tactical principles could strengthen his importance within the team, but Awoniyi’s situation requires urgency.

With only one year remaining on his contract and uncertainty surrounding a renewal, this pre-season could determine whether he earns Glasner’s trust or finds himself seeking a new destination before the transfer window slams shut.