Forest players could honour Awoniyi again today in their last match as they did against West Ham

NOTTINGHAM Forest players all wore special Taiwo Awoniyi's warm-up vests during their last English Premier League match against West Ham and may honour the Super Eagles striker again today in their last match of the season against Chelsea.

On May 11, Awoniyi was badly injured during a league match against Leicester City, after he clashed with the woodwork in the dying minutes of the 2-2 draw. He subsequently needed surgery on a ruptured intestine and was placed in an induced coma but is now out and on his way to full recovery.

Today, Forest, who are currently seventh in the league, play their last match of the season against Chelsea and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, has ruled Awoniyi out of the match. Against West Ham, not only did the Forest players wear Awoniyi warm-up vests but after opening the scoring in the 10th minute, striker Gibbs-White celebrated by holding up a shirt bearing Awoniyi's name and number.

Today, Awoniyi, 27, will likely be in the stands watching his team mates at the City Ground, although coach Santo would not confirm this. He added: “He's much better, he's already been able to walk and the doctor has informed us that he's starting his normal life in terms of food.

“I cannot answer whether he will be at the City Ground. I don't know. It's about the medical information, so I'm not sure, but he’s OK. We are going to be playing for T again. He is not going to be with us. It was a big issue that happened to him and it is in our minds.

“We want to see him totally healthy and joining in the group, so it is again going to be a game for T. For T, for us, for the fans, for the city, for everybody, but we just play the game. I hope this day is enjoyable for all of us, but we are going to face a good team. They have talented players, they are like us, in that it is a decisive game for all of us.”

Nottingham Forest have to secure a win against Chelsea to qualify for the Uefa Champions League next season. They are a tight race with Manchester City, Newcastle, Chelsea and Aston Villa for the remaining three places still up for grabs.