Forest won 2-0, with the Nigeria striker scoring a first Premier League goal in over a year. Awoniyi endured two major surgeries after rupturing his intenstine after colliding with a post in May.
“For me, I’ve always believed this is where I want to be,” Awoniyi told BBC Radio Nottingham. “I’ve always believed I’m a Premier League player, no matter what is going on around me. That’s my focus.
“Unfortunately, with what I’ve been through over the last one-and-a-half years, I’ve not been playing a lot and haven’t been involved. The coach (Sean Dyche) came in and brought me back, which is something I’m happy about.
“Getting the goal is something I’m happy about. I’ve not been playing for a while so maybe that’s why the goals are not there.”
Awoniyi continued: “I’ve always believed in God.
“I’ve always believed in myself and I know He will always be there for me, no matter what.
“To be honest, that’s something about me and my family, where I grew up I’ve always said ‘I’ve seen worse’. The only thing that has kept me going is the man up there (God).
“I’ve always believed that He’s always there, no matter what. He is the greatest and holds the key to everything. With things like this, He makes me believe. He will always be there for me.”