English Premier League club Nottingham Forest has launched an internal investigation into the handling of Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi’s serious injury, which has left the 27-year-old in an induced coma following emergency surgery for a ruptured intestine.
Awoniyi sustained the life-threatening abdominal injury during Forest’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City on Sunday after a collision with the goalpost. Despite the severity of the impact, the striker was allowed to continue playing — a decision now at the centre of growing controversy within the club.
Forest’s Greek co-owner, Evangelos Marinakis, is said to be furious with the medical and coaching staff, questioning why Awoniyi was not immediately substituted. The club has confirmed that it will conduct a comprehensive internal review to determine if proper medical protocols were followed.
“Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first,” a statement from the club read. “There was only shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.”
Sources within the club confirmed that Forest’s chief medical officer, Dr. Prithish Shyam Narayan, along with other members of the medical and coaching staff, will be questioned during the investigation. The club is seeking a full account of decisions made during and after the match that may have contributed to the worsening of Awoniyi’s condition.
Marinakis reportedly stormed onto the pitch at full time to confront manager Nuno Espirito Santo over the handling of the situation. His immediate concern led to the launch of the internal inquiry and a hardline stance from the club.
As of Wednesday, Awoniyi remains in hospital, placed in a medically induced coma by surgeons in order to stabilise his condition and prevent further complications. The induced coma is meant to restrict movement and manage his heart rate as he recovers from surgery.
The Nigerian international has been a key player for Nottingham Forest, and news of his condition has sent shockwaves through the football community, with fans, teammates, and football authorities expressing concern and support.
Forest has vowed to take necessary disciplinary or corrective measures following the outcome of the investigation. The club emphasised that no player’s safety should ever be compromised in pursuit of sporting performance.
Awoniyi’s family and representatives are yet to release a public statement, but updates on his condition are expected in the coming days. The Nigerian Football Federation is also monitoring the situation closely.
