Health scare: Taiwo Awoniyi in induced coma after abdominal surgery due to injury against Leicester
Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is in an induced coma after undergoing emergency abdominal surgery following a serious injury sustained in Sunday’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Leicester City.
Awoniyi, 27, collided with the goalpost during the match and, despite being in evident discomfort, continued playing.
He was later rushed to hospital after Forest’s medical staff discovered the severity of his condition, a ruptured intestine.
The Nigerian international underwent urgent surgery on Tuesday.
According to club sources, the induced coma is a precautionary medical measure intended to limit movement and regulate his heart rate during recovery.
While the situation is serious, it is not considered life-threatening at this stage.
Forest issued a statement confirming that Awoniyi is “recovering well so far” and clarified the events that followed Sunday’s match.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis was seen speaking with head coach Nuno Espírito Santo post-match, sparking speculation about a confrontation.
The club, however, denied any altercation, stating the interaction stemmed from shared frustration over the decision to allow Awoniyi to play on.
“The truth of the matter is there was no confrontation with Nuno or with others,” the statement read.
“There was only shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.”
Awoniyi’s condition remains under close observation as the club awaits further updates. His long-term availability remains uncertain.
