Abuja – May 15, 2025
Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, is now out of an induced coma and recovering steadily after undergoing emergency surgery for a ruptured intestine sustained during a recent English Premier League fixture.
Awoniyi, 27, suffered the internal injury during a late-minute collision with the goalpost in Nottingham Forest’s match against Leicester City on Sunday. Despite the severity of the impact, he finished the game before being rushed to the hospital for urgent evaluation and surgery.
Following the procedure, doctors placed the Nigerian international in a medically induced coma as a precautionary measure to stabilise his condition and aid recovery. According to reports, he has since regained consciousness and is recuperating in the presence of family and close medical personnel.
Sources close to the club have described his current state as “stable and improving,” adding that Awoniyi has responded well to post-surgical care and will remain under observation for the time being.
Fans and officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have joined millions across the country and beyond in expressing relief and solidarity with the forward. “We’re thankful for the positive news on Taiwo. We wish him a full and speedy recovery,” said a senior NFF official.
Awoniyi, who joined Nottingham Forest from Union Berlin in 2022, has been instrumental for both club and country, especially during Nigeria’s qualification campaigns. His absence on the field will be deeply felt, but football enthusiasts are optimistic about his return once fully fit.
The Nigerian striker’s case has also reignited conversations around player safety, particularly the need for quick offside calls and better collision risk management in the sport.
