Nigeria, May 5 -- Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi delivered a statement performance on a milestone night, scoring twice to inspire Nottingham Forest to a commanding 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

It was a night layered with context and redemption. Awoniyi, making just his second start of the season and his first since the arrival of head coach Vitor Pereira, had slipped down the attacking hierarchy behind Igor Jesus and Chris Wood. But on his 100th appearance for Forest, the 28-year-old seized the moment with authority.

Just two minutes into the contest, Awoniyi announced himself. Rising highest to meet a pinpoint delivery from Dilane Bakwa, the former Union Berlin striker powered a header past Robert Sanchez to hand th...