Taiwo Awoniyi: Why Nottingham Forest Striker Faces His Toughest Battle Yet Off the Pitch

Taiwo Awoniyi: Why Nottingham Forest Striker Faces His Toughest Battle Yet Off the Pitch

Festus Chuma 07:51 - 14.05.2025

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is in an induced coma after abdominal surgery following a severe injury during Sunday's match.

Nottingham Forest and Nigeria striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma following a complex abdominal surgery after suffering a severe injury during his side’s Premier League clash against Leicester City.

The 27-year-old forward sustained the injury in dramatic fashion on Sunday at the City Ground, colliding with the goalpost in the dying minutes of the 2-2 draw while attempting to convert a cross from Anthony Elanga.

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Though he managed to continue briefly after medical attention, it was clear he was in significant distress. Awoniyi, who had just been subbed on in the 85th minute, struggled to move freely during the closing stages of the game.

“Awoniyi is recovering well following the operation,” read a statement from Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.

The club also confirmed that the first phase of the surgery had been completed successfully on Monday night, with a follow-up procedure scheduled for Wednesday.

Taiwo Awoniyi Injury Triggers Concern at Forest

Taiwo Awoniyi Injury Triggers Concern at Forest

The incident, while initially downplayed on the pitch, has turned into a major health concern.

Forest officials made the decision to place Awoniyi in an induced coma post-surgery to ensure his body can heal without additional stress.

According to medical experts close to the team, this measure is sometimes taken in cases involving internal trauma to stabilize the patient and manage pain.

Awoniyi’s condition has prompted strong reactions from within the club.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis personally came onto the pitch after the match to voice his concern to manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Marinakis is said to be closely monitoring the situation and has demanded detailed updates from the medical staff.

“Awoniyi’s injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player's health and wellbeing must always come first,” Forest stated in a follow-up message.

Taiwo Awoniyi's Journey Disrupted by Another Setback

The timing of the injury couldn’t be worse for Awoniyi, who has already had a stop-start season due to recurring fitness issues.

Having joined Forest from Union Berlin in June 2022, the Nigerian striker has struggled to maintain consistent form due to a string of setbacks.

This latest incident highlights the unforgiving nature of top-flight football.

What seemed like a routine attempt at goal has left one of Forest’s key attackers fighting to recover in a hospital bed.

More updates on Awoniyi’s condition are expected following the completion of the second surgical phase on Wednesday.