Nottingham Forest and Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has spoken out for the first time since undergoing emergency surgery to repair a ruptured intestine, a terrifying injury that left him in an induced coma earlier this week.
The 26-year-old Nigerian star sustained the life-threatening injury during Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City, following a heavy collision with the goalpost. Despite being visibly in pain, Awoniyi continued playing briefly, as the team had exhausted all available substitutions. He was eventually taken off and rushed to hospital, where urgent surgery was performed.
Awoniyi released an emotional statement from his hospital bed on Sunday, ahead of Forest’s away fixture against West Ham, thanking fans, teammates, and supporters back home in Nigeria for their prayers and messages.
“This season has been one of the most difficult of my career but through it all, I have felt the love. With the grace of God, I am grateful to still be here, to still be fighting, to still be smiling, and to be in good spirits,” he wrote on social media.
“To my teammates, coaches, staff and the entire Forest family, thank you for your well wishes… To my family, friends and football fans… to everyone back home in Nigeria who has checked in on me, prayed for me and left kind words, thank you. I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover.”
Awoniyi’s message sparked an outpouring of support. Before kick-off at the London Stadium, Nottingham Forest players warmed up in special white shirts bearing the words “We’re all with you Taiwo” on the front and his name and number 9 on the back. Midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White later dedicated his goal to Awoniyi, lifting the striker’s shirt in a touching gesture.
Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo confirmed Awoniyi remains hospitalised and is expected to stay under observation for several more days. Despite being unable to travel, Awoniyi’s spirit loomed large over Sunday’s game.
The injury has not only impacted Awoniyi personally but also affected Forest’s end-of-season push. His forced continuation on the pitch in the final moments against Leicester – due to a lack of available substitutes – drew internal scrutiny, with club owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly displeased. Forest later issued a statement dismissing rumours of a confrontation, but acknowledged “a shared frustration that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.”
Awoniyi has made 27 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring once. Forest, who began the season strong, now face an uphill battle to secure a Champions League spot. They play Chelsea on the final day of the season and will need favourable results elsewhere to achieve European qualification for the first time since 1981.
As fans in Nigeria and across the globe await further updates, Awoniyi’s message has served as a rallying point for unity, resilience, and hope—both on and off the pitch.
