Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma after undergoing emergency abdominal surgery, following a serious injury sustained during Sunday’s 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City .
The 27-year-old Nigerian international collided with the goalpost in the 88th minute while attempting to convert a cross. Despite the impact, Awoniyi continued to play, as Forest had exhausted their substitutions, but was visibly in discomfort .
On Monday night, Awoniyi underwent the first phase of surgery to address the abdominal injury. To aid his recovery, medical professionals placed him in an induced coma to restrict movement and regulate his heart rate. Forest confirmed that he is “recovering well” and that the second phase of the surgery is scheduled for Wednesday .
The incident led to visible frustration from club owner Evangelos Marinakis, who confronted manager Nuno Espírito Santo on the pitch post-match. The club later clarified that Marinakis’s actions stemmed from concern over the decision to allow Awoniyi to continue playing after the injury, dismissing reports of a confrontation as “fake news” .
Awoniyi, who joined Forest from Union Berlin in June 2022, has made 32 appearances this season, scoring two goals. Forest, currently seventh in the Premier League, are vying for a Champions League spot with two games remaining .
The club emphasized its commitment to player welfare, stating that owner Marinakis views the team as family and is deeply invested in the well-being of its members .
Awoniyi remains in intensive care, with the next phase of his treatment planned for Wednesday.
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