Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone urgent surgery after suffering a serious abdominal injury during his team’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City on Sunday. The Nigerian forward was rushed to the hospital following a painful collision with the goalpost while attempting to convert Anthony Elanga’s right-wing cross in the closing minutes of the match.
Awoniyi, who had been playing a crucial role in Forest’s attack, initially continued after receiving treatment on the pitch. However, it was clear that the injury had taken a toll on him, with the forward visibly struggling to perform. His inability to continue effectively led to frustration from club owner Evangelos Marinakis, who voiced concerns over the decision to allow the player to continue after the injury.
In the aftermath, Marinakis expressed his dissatisfaction with how the situation was handled, stating: “We were frustrated about how Taiwo’s injury was managed and the medical team’s judgment on his ability to continue playing. This shows how deeply we care about our club.”
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo also addressed the issue, labeling the incident as a “misunderstanding” between the club’s coaching staff and the medical team. “It was disappointing for everybody. Unfortunately, we had to play the last ten minutes with one man less. Taiwo gave it a go but it was too painful for him to really push and help the team,” he said.
The exact nature of Awoniyi’s injury has not been disclosed, but the club has moved swiftly to ensure the well-being of their player. Following the match, the 26-year-old forward was taken to one of the country’s leading hospitals, where he underwent surgery to address the abdominal injury.
While the injury will undoubtedly affect Forest’s upcoming fixtures, the club’s medical team is optimistic about Awoniyi’s recovery, with the forward now in the care of top surgeons. Fans and teammates alike are hopeful that the striker will make a full recovery and return to action soon.
Nottingham Forest, currently engaged in a tight Premier League battle, will be monitoring Awoniyi’s recovery closely, as they look to navigate the rest of the season without one of their key players.
As the club continues to assess Awoniyi’s condition, the focus will now shift to ensuring that the necessary steps are taken to prevent further injuries and maintain the squad’s fitness heading into the critical stages of the season.
