Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is now out of an induced coma and recovering well after undergoing urgent abdominal surgery, days after suffering a serious injury during his club’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City.
The 27-year-old Nigerian international collided forcefully with the goalpost while attempting to convert a cross from Anthony Elanga in Sunday’s fixture at the City Ground. Although he tried to continue playing, Awoniyi was later subbed off after Forest had already used all substitutions.
The club confirmed that Awoniyi was rushed to hospital on Monday and underwent a complex, potentially life-saving operation on Wednesday. The surgery was successful, and he is now awake and surrounded by family.
“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,” Nottingham Forest said in an official statement.
The club also addressed post-match events, defending owner Evangelos Marinakis, who drew criticism — including from Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville — for entering the pitch after the match. Forest clarified that the owner’s actions were misunderstood.
“His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility and emotional investment in one of our own… There was no confrontation with Nuno or others,” the club stated.
Forest called for restraint and accuracy in public commentary, urging pundits and media to avoid misinformation in moments of crisis.
“We urge former coaches and players, and other public figures… to resist the urge to rush to judgment and fake news online… Let concern come before commentary,” the statement continued.
Awoniyi’s injury occurred as he chased down a ball from Elanga, who was in an offside position. The incident has reignited debate over IFAB’s delayed flag rule, which instructs officials not to raise the flag immediately during potential goal-scoring opportunities, even when offside is suspected — a practice now facing renewed scrutiny.
