Nottingham Forest Striker Taiwo Awoniyi Wakes from Induced Coma After Emergency Abdominal Surgery

Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi out of coma and recovering after emergency surgery

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has regained consciousness after being placed in an induced coma following emergency abdominal surgery. The 27-year-old Nigerian international suffered the serious injury during Forest's 2-2 Premier League draw against relegated Leicester City on Sunday.

The injury occurred when Awoniyi collided forcefully with the goalpost while attempting to reach a cross from teammate Anthony Elanga. Despite receiving medical treatment on the pitch and appearing visibly in pain, he briefly continued playing before being substituted. By then, Forest had already used all their allotted substitutions, leaving them to finish the match with ten men.

Following further medical assessments on Monday, the severity of the internal injury was confirmed, and Awoniyi was rushed to the hospital for urgent surgery. The operation, described as complex, led to Awoniyi being placed in an induced coma post-surgery to stabilize his condition.

As of Wednesday night, Awoniyi has regained consciousness and is said to be recovering well under close medical supervision. He remains in the hospital, surrounded by family, and is expected to continue his recovery in the coming days.

The incident sparked concern at all levels of the club, including from Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who made headlines by storming onto the pitch at full-time. Marinakis appeared visibly upset, reportedly due to his frustration that Awoniyi was allowed to continue playing despite being injured.

In a statement, the club clarified that Marinakis’ actions were not confrontational but rather fueled by concern for the player's well-being. The club emphasized that the owner’s emotional reaction reflected the seriousness of the incident and his care for the team.

The injury has also reignited debate surrounding the implementation of the IFAB offside rule. Elanga, who delivered the cross that led to the collision, was clearly in an offside position, but play was allowed to continue due to current officiating guidelines that advise assistant referees to delay flagging offside when a goalscoring opportunity is imminent.

Although discussions over officiating protocols continue, the primary focus remains on Taiwo Awoniyi’s health and recovery. The striker, who has been linked with a possible summer transfer, will now spend time recuperating, with the timeline for his return to the pitch yet to be determined.