Taiwo Awoniyi Suffers Life-threatening Injury, Placed in Medically Induced Coma surgery
By Bamidele Aremu
Nottingham Forest striker and Nigerian international, Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma following emergency abdominal surgery after sustaining a serious injury during a Premier League match against Leicester City on Saturday.
The Ilorin born striker collided with the goalpost late in the second half while attempting to convert a cross. Despite receiving on-field treatment, Awoniyi continued playing as Nottingham Forest had exhausted all their substitutions. He visibly struggled through the remainder of the 2-2 draw.
The true extent of his injury was identified the following day, leading to urgent surgery on Monday night. To aid his recovery, doctors placed him in an induced coma to restrict movement and regulate his heart rate .
Nottingham Forest confirmed Taiwo Awoniyi’s health Situation through a Facebook post on Tuesday, stating that the player had undergone urgent surgery for an abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City. The club extended their best wishes to Awoniyi during his recovery.
“The Club can confirm Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone urgent surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City. Everyone at Nottingham Forest sends their best wishes to Taiwo.”
Following the development, Nigeria football federation, NFF has wished Awoniyi well as he begins a period of recovery and rehabilitation.
In a post on the federation’s official X account on Tuesday afternoon, the NFF wrote, “Brace up, Tee, remember you’re stronger than what you think.”
However, Nottingham Forest released a follow-up statement on Tuesday, about the latest development on Awonyi’s health challenge.
“Nottingham Forest can confirm that Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering well so far following urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City.
“The seriousness of his 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.” the statement reads
Awoniyi has made 32 appearances for Forest this season, scoring two goals. The club is currently seventh in the Premier League, vying for a Champions League spot with two matches remaining.
