Taiwo Awoniyi in Induced Coma After Surgery Following Injury in Leicester Draw

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma to aid his recovery after undergoing urgent abdominal surgery, following an injury sustained in a Premier League match on Sunday against Leicester. The 27-year-old Nigerian international was rushed to the hospital for the operation on Monday after colliding with a post while attempting to score in the final moments of the 2-2 draw.

No reports indicate that Awoniyi’s condition is life-threatening. The induced coma is intended to help limit his movement and regulate his heart rate as he recovers from the procedure. Despite being in visible discomfort, Awoniyi continued playing for Forest, who had already used all their substitutes, until his injury was fully assessed the following day.

Nottingham Forest released a statement confirming that Awoniyi was “recovering well” after surgery. However, controversy arose following the match when club owner Evangelos Marinakis was seen having a heated exchange with manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch. The club clarified that Marinakis’ frustration stemmed from Awoniyi’s decision to continue playing through pain, which led to his hospitalization.

Forest addressed the incident, emphasizing that the owner’s response was driven by deep concern for Awoniyi’s well-being. “To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn’t just a football club – it’s family,” the statement said, explaining that Marinakis’s emotional reaction was a reflection of his care for the player.

The club’s statement further highlighted the owner’s leadership and emotional investment, describing his actions as instinctive and human, driven by a desire to protect the players. Forest emphasized that Marinakis would respond in the same way if a similar situation were to arise again.