Schengen visa procedures delay Awoniyi, Dennis’ link up with Nottingham Forest in Spain

Emmanuel Dennis of Nottingham Forest and Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest celebrate victory and another season in the Premier League during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at the City Ground, Nottingham on Saturday 20th May 2023. (Photo by AFP)

Super Eagles duo of Taiwo Awoniyi and Emmanuel Dennis are currently unable to join their Nottingham Forest teammates in Spain for the club’s pre-season training, owing to the complex procedures of Schengen visa for the summer holidays.

Both Nigeria internationals joined Forest last season, though Awoniyi had a remarkable campaign with the reds, scoring crucial goals that ensured their Premier League safety.

The club and manager, Steve Cooper, are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible, with the coach hoping to have the players available for the club’s upcoming pre-season friendly against Levante on Saturday.

The Athletic reports that a slightly different piece of paperwork is required for Nigerians to enter Spain, which could further explain the reason for the delay in securing their visas.

Last season proved to be a very successful one for Awoniyi. He finished the campaign with 11 goals in all competitions after joining from Union Berlin for £17.5million. The 25-year-old scored some important goals for Forest, including the winner against his former employers, Liverpool, at The City Ground.

Awoniyi also scored the most important goal of the season for Forest, when he netted against Arsenal at home. The goal did not only end Arsenal’s title dream, it ensured that the two-time former European champions, who got promoted after 24 years away from the English topflight, would stay for at least another season in the Premier League.

But Dennis, who