Nigerian international and Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone emergency surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during his side’s 2-2 Premier League clash against Leicester City at the City Ground on Sunday. The 27-year-old striker collided painfully with the goalpost in the dying moments of the game, resulting in an internal injury that required immediate medical intervention.
According to a report by Mail Sport, the extent of the injury was not initially apparent during the match. Awoniyi attempted to continue after receiving pitch-side treatment, but his condition worsened overnight. By Monday, club medical personnel determined that he needed to be hospitalised, where he later underwent a successful surgical procedure to address the abdominal damage.
Moment of Impact
The injury occurred late in the match as Awoniyi stretched to connect with a cross from teammate Anthony Elanga. In his attempt to convert the chance, he slid at full speed into the base of the goalpost. Despite staying down in clear discomfort, Awoniyi was not immediately taken off the pitch, a decision that has now drawn internal scrutiny from the club’s hierarchy.
Eyewitnesses reported that Awoniyi required nearly three minutes of medical attention on the pitch. However, due to a lack of available substitution windows—Forest had used their final substitution slot minutes earlier when Elliot Anderson was replaced by Jota Silva—the striker remained on the field.
Marinakis Furious Over Medical Response
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was visibly frustrated on the touchline following the incident. According to multiple sources, Marinakis engaged in a heated exchange with manager Nuno Espirito Santo over how the injury situation was managed. Club insiders say the Greek billionaire is unhappy with the medical team’s assessment and decision not to substitute Awoniyi earlier, especially considering the severity of the collision.
“It was clear he was in pain,” a source close to the team told Mail Sport. “Marinakis was furious and questioned why the player was left on after such a serious impact. He wanted immediate action, and there’s concern that the delay may have worsened the injury.”
The internal review is expected to lead to a reassessment of Nottingham Forest’s pitch-side medical protocols, particularly in high-stakes situations involving head or abdominal trauma.
Club Statement Expected
Although the club has yet to issue an official statement, it is understood that Nottingham Forest will soon provide an update on Awoniyi’s recovery timeline. Early indications suggest the forward could be sidelined for several weeks, potentially missing crucial fixtures in the final stretch of the Premier League season.
The injury comes at a challenging time for Forest, who are battling to avoid relegation and were relying on Awoniyi’s experience and presence in attack. His absence will force manager Nuno Espirito Santo to reconsider his forward options, with players like Chris Wood and Divock Origi expected to shoulder more of the attacking responsibility in the coming games.
A Blow for Super Eagles Fans
Awoniyi’s surgery also raises concerns for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, with several international fixtures scheduled in the coming months. The striker, known for his strength, positioning, and goal-scoring instinct, is considered a key component of Nigeria’s attacking setup. Any extended spell on the sidelines could impact the national team’s preparations and tactical plans.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is reportedly monitoring the situation closely and has already reached out to both the player and club for updates. A senior NFF official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told local media:
“Taiwo is an important player for us. We are in touch with Forest and hope for a full and speedy recovery. His health and well-being come first.”
Awoniyi’s Impact at Forest
Since joining Nottingham Forest from Union Berlin in 2022, Awoniyi has become a fan favourite due to his physicality and commitment on the pitch. Although injuries have disrupted parts of his Premier League journey, the striker has contributed important goals and consistently led the line with determination.
This season, Awoniyi has made several critical appearances for the club, and his leadership on the pitch has been vital in keeping Forest competitive in a challenging league campaign.
“Taiwo brings so much more than goals,” Forest captain Ryan Yates said in an earlier interview. “He’s a fighter, always positive, and gives everything for the badge. We’re all wishing him a speedy recovery.”
Support Pours In
Following news of his surgery, fans and fellow professionals have taken to social media to send their well-wishes to the striker. Messages of support have flooded in from both Nottingham Forest and Nigerian fans, praising Awoniyi’s dedication and wishing him a strong comeback.
On X (formerly Twitter), Forest fans shared images of the striker with the caption “#ComeBackStrongerTaiwo,” while Nigerian supporters flooded Instagram with prayers and messages of encouragement.
Next Steps
As Taiwo Awoniyi begins his recovery, attention will now turn to how Forest will cope in his absence and whether the club’s medical staff face further scrutiny over their handling of the incident.
For the player himself, the road to recovery has begun. While the injury is a setback, Awoniyi’s determination and history of bouncing back from adversity suggest he will return stronger.
“I’ve faced challenges before,” Awoniyi once said in an interview earlier this season. “With faith, family, and hard work, I always come back.”
Fans of Nottingham Forest and Nigeria alike will be hoping those words ring true once more.
