Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi was on target as Nottingham Forest inflicted West Ham United with another defeat on Saturday.

Awoniyi who missed the AFCON 2023 due to injury, returned to help his club secure a vital win with former Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi also scored .

However, West Ham United ended the game with 10-man after Kalvin Phillips was sent off.

Read Also:Osimhen Doubtful Of Barca Champions League Game

Forest’s triumph marked their first Premier League victory since December and moved them five points clear of the relegation zone while West Ham, who had not won any games this year, dropped their third straight game.

With two yellow cards in three minutes after making a costly error on his West Ham debut this month, midfielder Phillips, who is on loan from Manchester City, left his team with a mountain to climb against Forest.

Alphonse Areola, the custodian for West Ham, made a series of saves to deny Anthony Elanga, Awoniyi, and Morgan Gibbs-White, which prevented Forest from taking the lead earlier.

Just before the half, Dominguez’s through ball found Awoniyi, who ducked under Nayef Aguerd to send a low shot past Areola, giving the hosts their first lead.

After Antonio was brought down by Neco Williams, West Ham was given a free kick, and James Ward-Prowse attempted to equalise, but his shot went over the crossbar.

Forest’s second goal arrived four minutes into added time when Hudson-Odoi scored his third goal in three matches with a close-range finish from Williams’ cross.

Forest’s first league clean sheet since November lifted them to 15th in the table on 24 points from 25 matches. West Ham remained eighth with 36 points.

Forest next visit fourth-placed Aston Villa and West Ham host Brentford.