Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma following emergency surgery.
The 27-year-old underwent an urgent procedure after sustaining a serious abdominal injury during Forest`s match against Leicester last Saturday.
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Awoniyi suffered the injury after colliding with the post during the 2-2 draw at the City Ground. He received immediate medical treatment but initially continued playing.
However, he was later forced off the pitch, and further examination revealed the need for urgent surgery.
The Nigerian international was hospitalized on Monday, and initial reports indicated the surgery had been successful.
He underwent surgery on Monday night and remains in hospital. Doctors had hoped to complete the complex procedure on Tuesday but were unable to, which necessitated placing Awoniyi into an induced coma. The remaining part of the procedure is scheduled for Wednesday.
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Nottingham Forest issued a statement shortly after Awoniyi`s surgery confirming he was “recovering well so far” following the urgent operation for the serious abdominal injury sustained on Sunday. The club emphasized the physical risks inherent in the sport and underscored that a player`s health and well-being must always be the top priority.
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The club`s statement also addressed owner Evangelos Marinakis` visible frustration towards manager Nuno Espirito Santo at the end of the game, clarifying that his reaction stemmed from deep concern over the handling of Awoniyi`s injury situation.
Forest elaborated that Marinakis views the club not just as a business but as “family,” a belief he instils throughout the organization. This perspective drove his strong emotional investment in the situation on Sunday. Seeing Awoniyi in clear discomfort and struggling through visible pain in the final minutes of the match made it increasingly difficult for Marinakis to remain on the sidelines. His profound frustration at witnessing the player`s severe pain prompted him to go onto the pitch, an action the club states demonstrates his leadership and deep care for his players.
This season, Awoniyi has made 32 appearances for Forest in all competitions, scoring two goals for the East Midlands club.
Marcus Bellamy