Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is in an induced coma and receiving intensive care following emergency surgery after suffering a life-threatening abdominal injury in Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Sunday.
Awoniyi, 27, collided with the goalpost in the 88th minute while trying to reach a cross from Anthony Elanga. Despite appearing in visible pain, he continued briefly before being taken off. Forest later confirmed that the impact ruptured his intestine, prompting urgent surgery.
He was rushed to hospital on Monday after further scans by Forest’s medical team revealed the extent of the injury. The first phase of surgery was carried out that night, with the procedure expected to be completed by Wednesday. Forest say he is “recovering well so far.”
The club also confirmed that Awoniyi was placed in a medically induced coma — not because his life was in immediate danger, but to help manage his movement and heart rate during recovery.
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Forest have come under scrutiny for allowing the striker to continue playing after the collision. Club owner Evangelos Marinakis walked onto the pitch after the game and was seen speaking with head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. While some interpreted it as a confrontation, Forest released a statement denying that and expressing shared frustration over how the situation was handled.
“There was only shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue,” the club said. “The seriousness of Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player’s health and wellbeing must always come first.”
Forest also defended Marinakis’ emotional response, saying it came from a place of deep care and responsibility.
Awoniyi came on as a late substitute for Ibrahim Sangaré, but due to all five substitution windows being used, Forest were unable to make another change after the injury. They played the final minutes with 10 men as Awoniyi struggled before going off.
There is no official timeline yet for Awoniyi’s return to football.
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