Taiwo Awoniyi has broken his silence following a traumatic abdominal injury that left the Nottingham Forest striker in a medically induced coma earlier this week.
The 26-year-old Nigerian forward was rushed to hospital after a collision with the post during Forest’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City last Sunday.
The incident led to two emergency surgeries on Monday and Wednesday, after which doctors placed him in a coma to stabilise his condition.
He regained consciousness on Wednesday evening, bringing relief to the club and its supporters.
The emotional impact of Awoniyi’s condition was felt deeply in the dressing room.
“It’s been a tough week for everyone,” said Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White. “Wednesday was our first day back, and the place was pretty quiet; everyone was praying and wishing him well.”
In a stirring response to their teammate’s ordeal, Nottingham Forest secured a 2-1 home victory over West Ham United on Sunday.
The players dedicated the win to Awoniyi, warming up in shirts bearing his name and number, along with a message of solidarity: “We are all with you, Taiwo.” After scoring in the match, Gibbs-White held up Awoniyi’s shirt in celebration. “He’s back to winning ways, we all wish him luck, and this victory today is all his,” he said.
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo shared in the sentiment, praising the team’s unity and drive.
“Since the beginning of our preparations, ‘T’ has been on our minds. He’s someone we admire; his smile is contagious. The boys did this for him. We’re so proud,” said the Portuguese coach.
In his first public statement since leaving intensive care, Awoniyi posted an emotional message on social media, expressing gratitude to his family, the medical team, and the club.
“This season has been one of the toughest of my career, but despite everything, I felt love,” he wrote. “I am grateful to still be here, to keep fighting, to smile, and to be in a good mood. I am with you all the way and I can’t wait to be back with the boys to do what I love.”
Forest’s win keeps their hopes of European qualification alive.
The team now sits on 65 points, just one behind third-placed Newcastle, with one game left — a decisive encounter against Chelsea.
While Awoniyi has found the net just once in 26 league outings this season, his resilience in the face of adversity may yet inspire a team fighting to define its campaign by grit and togetherness.
