Taiwo Awoniyi and George Ilenikhena delivered encouraging performances on Friday, with both Nigerian forwards getting on the scoresheet for their respective clubs as preparations for the 2026/27 season gathered momentum.
Awoniyi maintained his impressive pre-season form by scoring in Nottingham Forest’s 2-1 victory over Portuguese outfit Portimonense, while teenage striker Ilenikhena celebrated his maiden goal for Al Ittihad in an entertaining 2-2 draw against Malaga.
Nottingham Forest looked sharp from the opening whistle and controlled much of the contest against Portimonense, creating several promising opportunities before eventually taking the lead.
Awoniyi was at the heart of Forest’s attacking play throughout the first half. His intelligent hold-up play created space for Ibrahim Sangaré, whose effort rattled the crossbar, before the Nigerian nearly scored himself after seeing his close-range attempt strike the post.
The breakthrough eventually arrived just before the interval when Omari Hutchinson won a penalty following a foul inside the area. Awoniyi stepped up confidently and calmly converted from the spot to hand Forest a deserved lead.
Portimonense restored parity shortly after the restart through João Reis, but Forest responded positively. Midfielder Xaver Schlager fired home from distance to secure a deserved victory for the Premier League side.
The goal marked Awoniyi’s second in successive pre-season matches after he also found the net against Blackburn Rovers, offering another sign that the Super Eagles striker is regaining top form after an injury-hit campaign last season.
The 28-year-old managed only four goals and one assist in 18 appearances during the previous campaign, but his recent performances suggest he is building confidence ahead of his fifth season with Forest.
In Spain, George Ilenikhena enjoyed a memorable outing after netting his first goal since joining Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad.
The 19-year-old doubled his side’s advantage in the 34th minute with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area after Steven Bergwijn had opened the scoring almost immediately after kick-off.
It was a significant milestone for the Nigerian youngster, who completed a high-profile switch from AS Monaco earlier this year but finished last season without finding the back of the net despite making six appearances.
Malaga fought back after the break, with Adrián Niño reducing the deficit before Joaquín Muñoz equalised four minutes later as the friendly ended 2-2.
Although Al Ittihad were unable to finish their pre-season schedule with a victory, Ilenikhena’s breakthrough goal provided a major positive ahead of the club’s competitive return.
The Saudi champions concluded their warm-up fixtures with two wins, one draw and one defeat, and the Nigerian forward will now be hoping to carry his renewed confidence into their AFC Champions League Elite qualifying clash against Al Jazira.