Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is currently in an induced coma after undergoing the first phase of surgery for a serious abdominal injury sustained during his side’s Premier League clash against Leicester City on Sunday.
The 27-year-old Nigeria international suffered a ruptured intestine after colliding with the post in the 88th minute while chasing a low cross from teammate Anthony Elanga. Awoniyi, who had come on as a substitute late in the game, was visibly in pain and received prolonged medical attention on the pitch before being taken to the hospital.
Sources told BBC Sport that the initial surgery was performed on Monday night, and the second phase is expected to follow on Wednesday. Nottingham Forest confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that the striker is “recovering well” in hospital.
The incident has once again brought attention to Premier League officiating protocols. Elanga was in an offside position when he delivered the cross, but the assistant referee delayed raising the flag in accordance with current VAR rules, which require play to continue in case of a potential goal-scoring opportunity. Critics argue that such delays pose unnecessary risks to players.
Following the match, Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis walked onto the pitch and reportedly expressed concern to head coach Nuno Espirito Santo regarding the severity of the injury and how it was handled. He continues to receive regular updates on Awoniyi’s condition.
In their official statement, Forest described the injury as “a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player’s health and wellbeing must always come first.”
The club and fans alike are hoping for a full recovery for Awoniyi, whose absence will be deeply felt both on and off the pitch.
