The situation has prompted Forest to launch an internal review to investigate the sequence of decisions made by coaching and medical staff.
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been brought out of an induced coma following emergency surgery for a serious abdominal injury. Awoniyi suffered the injury during 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City at the City Ground on Sunday.
The Nigerian international collided with the goalpost in the dying minutes of the match while chasing a potential winner for Forest. Though he initially received prolonged medical attention on the pitch. Despite being clearly in discomfort, Awoniyi returned to the pitch and continued to play for the remainder of the game. Awoniyi’s injury occurred in a move which was later on flagged for offside, with match officials allowing play to continue under standard VAR protocol.
Medical evaluations revealed that Awoniyi had sustained a ruptured intestine, prompting immediate surgical intervention. The operation was carried out in two stages. The initial procedure was done on Monday, followed by a second on Wednesday to close the wound. Between these stages, he was placed in an induced coma to aid recovery and manage his vital functions, including stabilizing his heart rate.
He was successfully awoken from the coma on Wednesday evening and is now on the path to a full recovery, according to sources close to the club. Nottingham Forest confirmed his surgery on Tuesday and acknowledged the incident had sparked internal concern, particularly over how the injury was handled during the game.
Club owner Evangelos Marinakis was seen confronting head coach Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch after the final whistle, visibly upset over the decision to allow Awoniyi to continue despite clear signs of discomfort. The situation has prompted Forest to launch an internal review to investigate the sequence of decisions made by the coaching and medical staff.
Also Read: Nottingham Forest Striker Taiwo Awoniyi Undergoes Emergency Surgery After Colliding With Post
A statement from the club said, “The seriousness of Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first.”
Awoniyi, who joined Forest from Union Berlin in 2022, has been a key attacking figure for the club, scoring 17 goals in 72 Premier League appearances. His presence on and off the pitch has been vital to the squad. The football community has rallied around the Nottingham Forest player with messages of support.
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