Nottingham Forest’s Awoniyi Recovering After Emergency Surgery

Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi is under medical observation following emergency surgery for a severe abdominal injury sustained during a Premier League match against Leicester City. The Nigerian international, aged 27, was placed in an induced coma after suffering internal damage late in the game. The first phase of his surgery occurred on Monday, with the second completed by Wednesday. Awoniyi has since been awakened from the coma and remains under observation.

Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo expressed cautious optimism regarding Awoniyi’s condition, stating, “He went to surgery, surgery went well. Thank god.” He added that medical staff are closely monitoring the player’s recovery and that visits will be allowed once doctors approve.

The injury occurred when Awoniyi collided with a goalpost while attempting to reach a cross from teammate Anthony Elanga. The assistant referee did not immediately flag for offside due to a protocol introduced in 2020.

Awoniyi joined Nottingham Forest from Union Berlin in 2022 and has scored 19 goals in 85 appearances across all competitions. He has also represented Nigeria internationally since his debut in 2021.