Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi returned to action for the first time since sustaining a serious abdominal injury in May as Nottingham Forest played out a goalless draw against AS Monaco in their second preseason game on Saturday, Bold Sports reports.
The 27-year-old was introduced in the second half as part of a wave of changes by head coach Nuno Espírito Santo, who rotated his squad heavily to manage fitness levels and give all players valuable minutes ahead of the new season.
Awoniyi had undergone emergency abdominal surgery after picking up the injury during Forest’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Leicester City at the City Ground late last season.
Although the injury was not life-threatening, the Nigerian striker required immediate surgical treatment. He was placed in a medically induced coma post-operation and monitored closely in intensive care, before eventually being stabilised — a development that brought widespread relief to the footballing community.
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With the new season drawing closer, it remains to be seen if Awoniyi will remain at Nottingham Forest especially since he has to still compete with the club’s top scorer Chris Wood and newly signed Brazilian striker Igor Jesus.
The club also recently reached an agreement to sign highly-rated Gambian U20 striker Lamin Sillah, who may provide more competition up front.
Awoniyi, who found the net just twice last season, will be eager to secure regular playing time. His priority is to remain in the Premier League, and a move could be on the cards if opportunities become limited at the City Ground.
For now, the former Union Berlin striker is training with the squad and is expected to be involved in Forest’s remaining preseason fixtures against Estoril, Birmingham City, Fiorentina, and Saudi Arabian side Al Qadasiya.
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