Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is now out of a medically induced coma and recovering steadily in hospital following a serious abdominal injury he sustained during Nottingham Forest’s match against Leicester City on Sunday.
The 26-year-old forward collided forcefully with the goalpost while attempting to score and was later rushed to hospital. Doctors performed emergency surgery on Monday night and placed him in an induced coma to help control movement and stabilize his heart rate, although the injury was not considered life-threatening.
The second phase of the medical procedure was completed on Wednesday, and Awoniyi is now awake, responsive, and surrounded by his family as he begins the road to full recovery.
The incident sparked concern both on and off the pitch. Nottingham Forest released a statement defending club owner Evangelos Marinakis, who ran onto the field at the final whistle. The club explained that Marinakis’ emotional response was due to the gravity of Awoniyi’s injury and dismissed rumours that he had confronted manager Nuno Espírito Santo, calling such reports “fake news.”
Awoniyi, a key figure for both Nottingham Forest and the Nigerian national team, is expected to spend more time under medical observation as his recovery continues.
