Awoniyi’s dismissal came in the 53rd minute at the Coventry Building Society Arena after the Super Eagles forward caught Brighton defender Maxim De Cuyper with his elbow during an aerial challenge.
The referee initially showed Awoniyi a straight red card, and the decision was subsequently reviewed by Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Following the review, the dismissal was upheld, leaving the Nigerian facing the prospect of missing Coventry’s next three Premier League fixtures.
The incident could prove costly for Awoniyi as he continues to settle into life at Coventry following his move from Nottingham Forest during the summer transfer window.
The striker joined Frank Lampard’s side with expectations of adding experience and attacking strength to the squad, but his early spell at the club has yet to produce a league goal.
Awoniyi has made three Premier League appearances for Coventry since completing the move, playing a total of 181 minutes without finding the back of the net.
Sunday’s red card was also a significant disciplinary setback for the 27-year-old, marking the first time he has been dismissed in a Premier League match.
Before the incident against Brighton, Awoniyi had maintained a clean disciplinary record in England’s top flight, making the straight red card an unusual development in his Premier League career.
Coventry, meanwhile, endured a difficult afternoon, with Brighton running out convincing 5-0 winners. The defeat compounded the disappointment surrounding Awoniyi’s dismissal and leaves Lampard with a potential selection problem if the striker receives the expected three-match suspension.
The final length of the ban will depend on the Premier League’s disciplinary process, but a standard three-match suspension would rule Awoniyi out of Coventry’s next three league games.
For the Nigeria international, the immediate challenge will now be to put the setback behind him and regain his place once he becomes available again. Having only recently arrived at Coventry, Awoniyi will be hoping his first Premier League red card does not derail his attempt to make a positive impact under Lampard.