Nottingham Forest Striker Taiwo Awoniyi in Induced Coma After Serious Abdominal Surgery
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is currently in an induced coma following surgery for a serious abdominal injury sustained during a match against Leicester City. The 27-year-old Nigerian international collided with the goalpost while attempting to score in the 88th minute of the game, which ended in a 2-2 draw at the City Ground.
Awoniyi underwent the first phase of surgery on Monday night and remains hospitalized as doctors prepare to complete the procedure on Wednesday. In a statement released by the club, Nottingham Forest reported that Awoniyi is “recovering well” after the operation.
The incident occurred shortly after Awoniyi was substituted onto the field, having replaced Ibrahim Sangare just five minutes prior. Although he initially continued playing after receiving treatment, it was clear that he was struggling when the match resumed.
Club owner Evangelos Marinakis expressed his concern about how the situation was managed on the pitch, taking the time to speak with manager Nuno Espirito Santo after the match. Marinakis is receiving regular updates on Awoniyi’s condition.
Nottingham Forest’s official statement emphasized the severity of the injury, calling it “a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player’s health and wellbeing must always come first.”
Awoniyi has been a vital player for Forest since joining from Union Berlin in June 2022, scoring 19 goals in 83 appearances across all competitions. His absence will undoubtedly be felt as the team navigates the final stretch of the season.
