Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is currently in an induced coma and receiving intensive care following emergency surgery on a serious abdominal injury that could have been fatal, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old forward sustained the injury after crashing into the goalpost during Forest’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Sunday. Despite being visibly in pain, Awoniyi continued playing briefly before being substituted—Forest had used all available changes at the time.
Medical examinations on Monday revealed the severity of the abdominal trauma, prompting immediate surgery. Sources close to the situation disclosed that the operation appears successful, though doctors are continuing with post-operative care and monitoring in intensive care.
“This is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first,” Forest said in an official statement.
“Taiwo is recovering well, and the entire Forest family is rallying behind him.”
The club also addressed the controversy surrounding its owner, Evangelos Marinakis, who was seen entering the pitch at full-time to confront manager Nuno Espirito Santo. While pundits like Sky Sports’ Gary Neville criticised Marinakis’ actions, the club defended his involvement, stating his reaction stemmed from deep emotional investment in the players’ welfare.
“There was no confrontation with Nuno,” the statement read. “There was shared frustration that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue. The owner’s actions were instinctive and human.”
Awoniyi’s condition sparked widespread concern across the football world, with supporters, teammates, and players offering messages of hope and support. His absence comes as Forest’s hopes for Champions League qualification hang in the balance—they now require favourable results from other teams even if they win their remaining two matches.
The club also criticised the officiating during the match, noting that Anthony Elanga’s offside run—preceding the cross that led to Awoniyi’s collision—was not immediately flagged, as per new officiating protocols.
Forest urged restraint from public commentators, warning against “baseless and ill-informed outrage” and calling for greater sensitivity and respect for player welfare.
As of press time, Awoniyi remains under medical supervision, with further updates on his condition expected in the coming days.
