Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is in an induced coma after undergoing emergency surgery.
The 27-year-old had the operation due to a severe abdominal injury he suffered during Forest`s match against Leicester last Saturday.
Awoniyi sustained the injury after colliding with the goalpost during the 2-2 draw at the City Ground. He received immediate medical attention but continued playing for a period.
However, he was eventually forced to leave the pitch. Further assessment revealed that urgent surgery was necessary.
The Nigeria international was taken to hospital on Monday. Initial reports indicated the surgery was successful.
He had the main surgery on Monday night and remains hospitalized. Further parts of the procedure were scheduled to be completed on Wednesday.
Doctors had hoped to finalize the complex operation on Tuesday but were unable to. This required Awoniyi to be placed in an induced coma.
Forest released a statement shortly after the initial surgery, confirming that Awoniyi was “recovering well” from the ordeal. They have not yet issued an update on his current condition while in the induced coma.
The previous statement read: “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 club`s statement also addressed owner Evangelos Marinakis` visible reaction towards manager Nuno Espirito Santo at the end of the game, explaining it was due to his frustration regarding the handling of Awoniyi`s injury.
The statement continued: “At Nottingham Forest, this principle is not just policy for us; it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner. To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn’t just a football club — it’s family – and he instils that message in all of us.”
“That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation that unfolded at the City Ground on Sunday.”
“His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment in one of our own. He didn’t just see it as an isolated incident, but as something that reflected the values and unity of the entire team.”
“In moments like that he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence.”
“In the final ten minutes of the game, when he saw our player clearly in discomfort, struggling through visible pain, it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines. His deep frustration at seeing our player lying on the ground in severe pain – something no one with genuine care could ignore – triggered him to go onto the pitch.”
Taiwo Awoniyi has made 32 appearances for Forest in all competitions this season, scoring two goals for the East Midlands club.
