Taiwo Awoniyi is showing positive signs of recovery following a serious abdominal injury that led to emergency surgery and a medically induced coma, according to Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo.
The Nigerian striker sustained the injury during last weekend’s Premier League fixture against Leicester City, a dramatic 2-2 draw that could have ended in tragedy.
Awoniyi collided forcefully with the post during a goal-scoring attempt and, despite initially continuing to play, was visibly in pain and unable to move freely.
Subsequent medical examinations revealed severe internal trauma, necessitating two urgent surgical procedures.
Awoniyi was admitted to hospital on Monday and placed in an induced coma to stabilise his condition.
The news sent shockwaves through the Forest camp, with concern growing over the striker’s well-being. For a time, the severity of the situation overshadowed all footballing matters at the club.
Speaking to the media on Friday ahead of Nottingham Forest’s crucial match against West Ham, manager Nuno Espírito Santo offered a much-needed update.
“He had surgery and it went well, thank God,” Nuno confirmed. “He is currently under observation, but he is recovering.
We still have to wait for the doctors to give us clearance for visits.”
Nuno described the emotional toll the incident has taken on the squad. “It was very difficult for us and for everyone.
The worry about his injury, the situation he found himself in—it was hard for us to process,” he said. However, he expressed cautious optimism as Awoniyi has regained consciousness and is now communicating with family and medical staff.
“We are still worried, of course, but things are looking positive,” the Portuguese coach added.
Awoniyi’s absence comes at a critical moment in Nottingham Forest’s season. With only two matches remaining in the Premier League campaign, Forest currently sits in seventh place, having already secured a place in European competition.
A push into the top five and a potential Champions League berth is still mathematically possible, but the team’s primary focus has shifted to supporting their teammate’s recovery.
Since joining Forest in 2022, Awoniyi has become an integral part of the squad, both on and off the pitch. His physical presence up front, combined with his work ethic and clinical finishing, has endeared him to supporters and teammates alike.
This season, he has made key contributions in Forest’s pursuit of European football, further establishing himself as a central figure in the club’s resurgence.
Despite the hopeful news, the club has not placed any timeline on Awoniyi’s return to football. Medical staff are prioritising a full recovery and have emphasised that his rehabilitation will be handled with the utmost caution.
For now, Nottingham Forest will aim to close out the season strongly, motivated by the resilience of their teammate.
The outpouring of support from fans and across the footballing world has underscored Awoniyi’s impact far beyond the pitch.
While the final standings are yet to be decided, the team’s unity in the face of adversity may prove to be its most meaningful achievement of the campaign.
