Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has reportedly been placed in an induced coma to help him recover after undergoing emergency abdominal surgery.
The Nigerian forward was rushed to the hospital on Monday following a serious injury sustained during his club’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
According to reports, doctors placed the 27-year-old in a medically induced coma to reduce his movement and stabilize his heart rate. However, his condition is not believed to be life-threatening.
Awoniyi suffered the injury late in the game after crashing into the goalpost while trying to score. He received medical attention on the pitch but returned to play despite being in clear pain, as Forest had already used all their substitutions.
The club's medical team assessed him on Monday and immediately took him to the hospital, where he underwent surgery.
On Tuesday afternoon, Nottingham Forest released a statement saying Awoniyi was “recovering well.” However, the matchday incident sparked a heated moment between club owner Evangelos Marinakis and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo at the end of Sunday’s game.
The club later explained that Marinakis’ reaction came from concern over Awoniyi’s condition and frustration that the striker had continued playing while injured.
“At Nottingham Forest, our players’ wellbeing comes first,” the club said in a statement. “Mr. Marinakis treats this club like family. His reaction was purely out of care and concern for one of our own.”
The club added that Marinakis stepped onto the pitch in the final minutes of the game because he was deeply moved by the sight of Awoniyi in visible pain.
They described his actions as “instinctive” and a reflection of his emotional investment in the team.
Awoniyi has been an important player for Nottingham Forest this season as they push for a Champions League spot.
AFP
