Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone emergency surgery for an abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City at the City Ground, the club confirmed on Monday.
The Nigerian international was injured after colliding with the goalpost while attempting to reach a cross from teammate Anthony Elanga.
Although Awoniyi initially tried to continue playing after several minutes of treatment on the pitch, the true extent of the injury was only discovered the following day by Forest’s medical team.
“The Club can confirm Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone urgent surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City,”
Nottingham Forest said in a statement posted on their official X account. “Everyone at Nottingham Forest sends their best wishes to Taiwo. The Club will provide further updates when appropriate.”
According to reports, the injury, while serious, is not believed to be life-threatening. The swift medical response by the club ensured that Awoniyi received immediate care.
The incident sparked a dramatic scene post-match, with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis storming the pitch and confronting manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Marinakis reportedly expressed frustration over the decision to allow Awoniyi to continue playing after the collision, despite the manager’s consultation with medical staff.
Okay.ng reports that the injury comes at a difficult time for Nottingham Forest, who are currently seventh in the Premier League, just one point outside the Champions League qualification zone.
With only two games remaining against West Ham and Chelsea, Forest’s hopes of securing a historic return to Europe’s top competition have taken a hit.
Despite the setback, the club is guaranteed at least a spot in the UEFA Conference League, marking Forest’s first return to European competition since the 1995–96 season.
