Super Eagles duo Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi featured as Nottingham Forest opened their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 victory over Notts County in Olivier Glasner’s first match in charge of the Premier League club.
Forest produced an assured performance under their new manager, with goals from Igor Jesus and Arnaud Kalimuendo securing a comfortable win.
Aina starts as Forest keep clean sheet
Aina was named in the starting line-up and played the opening 45 minutes, helping Forest keep the hosts at bay before being substituted at half-time.
The Nigerian defender, who battled injuries for parts of last season, delivered a strong performance before making way for Nicolás Domínguez after the interval.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when Brazilian forward Igor Jesus found the back of the net.
Kalimuendo extended the visitors’ advantage nine minutes into the second half to put the result beyond doubt.
Awoniyi returns in second half
Awoniyi was introduced after the break as Glasner rotated his squad during the friendly.
The striker played his part as Forest controlled possession and comfortably protected their two-goal lead until the final whistle.
The 28-year-old will be aiming to carry his strong finish to last season into the new campaign after ending the 2025-26 Premier League season in encouraging form.
Awoniyi scored three goals and provided two assists in his final six league appearances, finishing the season with four goals and two assists in 17 Premier League matches.
The pre-season victory gives Glasner a positive start to life at the City Ground as he begins preparations for the 2026-27 season.
