Nottingham Forest took a significant step toward Champions League qualification with an impressive 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday. Nigerian duo Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi played key roles, with Aina completing the full 90 minutes and Awoniyi coming on as a late substitute in the 81st minute.
Forest dominated the first half, scoring three goals within six minutes. Nikola Milenkovic opened the scoring in the 35th minute before Anthony Elanga netted a quick-fire brace in the 37th and 41st minutes to give Nuno Espirito Santo’s side a commanding lead.
Ipswich fought back in the second half, with Jens-Lys Cajuste pulling one back in the 82nd minute. However, Jota Silva restored Forest’s three-goal advantage with a strike in the 87th minute. George Hurst then scored a consolation goal for Ipswich in stoppage time to make it 4-2.
In another Premier League fixture, Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu was on target for Southampton in their 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Onuachu, who came on at halftime, scored in the 75th minute to give the Saints hope of a comeback.
With the win, Forest now sit comfortably in third place with 54 points, strengthening their push for a Champions League spot. Meanwhile, Ipswich’s struggles continue as they remain in 18th place with just 17 points, fighting to avoid relegation.
However, Wolves had already taken control of the match with Jorgen Strand Larsen scoring twice in the 19th and 47th minutes. Despite Onuachu’s goal, Southampton failed to find an equalizer and remain rooted to the bottom of the table with only nine points. Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo also featured for Southampton, playing the full 90 minutes before being substituted late on.
With Nottingham Forest pushing for a top-four finish and Southampton fighting for survival, Nigerian stars like Awoniyi, Aina, and Onuachu continue to make their presence felt in the English top flight.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Manchester City dropped points after being held to a 2-2 draw by Brighton and Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium. Everton and West Ham United also settled for a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.