Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma following emergency surgery for a severe abdominal injury sustained during a match against Leicester City on Sunday, May 11.
The injury was life-threatening, but the initial surgery was successful. Doctors are expected to complete the procedure on Wednesday, May 14.
Awoniyi, who plays for Nottingham Forest, collided with a post while attempting to score and appeared to struggle with pain after the incident. Despite this, he continued to play until treatment was administered. Nottingham Forest confirmed on Tuesday that Awoniyi had undergone urgent surgery after the injury was deemed serious.
“The Club can confirm Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone urgent surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City. Everyone at Nottingham Forest sends their best wishes to Taiwo,” the club stated.
The club also addressed the situation by criticizing its medical team for allowing Awoniyi to continue playing despite his visible discomfort. Sky Sports’ Gary Neville described the incident as “scandalous” and suggested that manager Nuno Espírito Santo should leave the club. The controversy deepened when Nottingham Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, appeared to confront the manager on the pitch.