Awoniyi Undergoes Surgery, Placed in Induced Coma

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma after undergoing surgery for a serious abdominal injury sustained during a Premier League match.

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma after undergoing emergency surgery for a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday's 2-2 Premier League draw with Leicester City. Awoniyi collided with the goalpost in the 88th minute while attempting to connect with a cross from Anthony Elanga, resulting in a ruptured intestine.

The 27-year-old Nigerian forward played on despite visible discomfort but was eventually forced off and underwent urgent abdominal surgery on Tuesday. Nottingham Forest confirmed Awoniyi is “recovering well” but British media reports indicate he's in an induced coma to restrict movement and regulate his heart rate post-surgery.

Awoniyi's condition isn't considered life-threatening, and he's expected to make a full recovery. However, the incident has sparked controversy, with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis expressing frustration over the medical team's decision to allow Awoniyi to continue playing despite his injury. The club denies reports of a confrontation between Marinakis and manager Nuno Espírito Santo, citing “shared frustration” over the player's treatment.

The Club can confirm Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone urgent surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City.

Everyone at Nottingham Forest sends their best wishes to Taiwo.

The Club will provide further updates when appropriate. pic.twitter.com/0SH82nA4dv

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 13, 2025

Current Status:

• Awoniyi is set to be brought out of the induced coma today, May 14, 2024
• His discharge date remains uncertain
• Nottingham Forest players and fans are reportedly praying for his full recovery, with teammate Victor Osimhen joining in to wish him well.
• Taiwo Awoniyi suffered a serious abdominal injury during Nottingham Forest's 2-2 draw with Leicester City when he collided with the goalpost while attempting to connect with a cross. Despite receiving immediate treatment, Awoniyi limped for the remainder of the match.

Following surgery, Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma, according to reports. The Forest striker had only recently joined the game as a substitute when the incident occurred.

Nottingham Forest initially reported that Taiwo Awoniyi had undergone surgery and was “recovering well” after his injury against Leicester City. However, further reports indicated he was placed in an induced coma following the procedure.

“Nottingham Forest can confirm that Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering well so far following urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City,” the club said.