Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is currently in an induced coma after undergoing emergency surgery for a severe abdominal injury sustained during a Premier League match against Leicester City on Sunday, May 11, 2025. The 27-year-old Nigerian international collided with the goalpost in the 88th minute while attempting to connect with a cross from Anthony Elanga. Despite receiving on-field treatment, Awoniyi continued to play, visibly limping, as Forest had exhausted all their substitutions .
🏥 Medical Response and Current Condition
Following the match, Awoniyi was hospitalized and underwent urgent abdominal surgery on Monday night. Complications during the procedure led doctors to place him in an induced coma to aid his recovery by restricting movement and regulating his heart rate. The second phase of his surgery is scheduled to be completed on Wednesday, May 14 . The club has stated that Awoniyi is “recovering well,” although the situation remains critical .
⚽ Match Incident and Aftermath
Awoniyi had been on the field for only five minutes, having come on as a substitute, when the collision occurred. The decision to allow him to continue playing despite his injury has been a point of contention. Post-match, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was seen confronting manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch, expressing frustration over the handling of Awoniyi’s injury. The club later denied reports of a confrontation, attributing Marinakis’s actions to concern for the player’s well-being .
📊 Awoniyi’s Season and Career Overview
This season, Awoniyi has made 32 appearances for Nottingham Forest, scoring two goals. His contributions have been vital in Forest’s campaign, with the club currently sitting seventh in the Premier League, vying for a Champions League spot with two games remaining against West Ham and Chelsea .
Awoniyi joined Nottingham Forest in June 2022 from Union Berlin for a club-record fee of £17 million. He has since become a key player for the team, known for his physical presence and goal-scoring abilities .
📰 Club Statement and Future Implications
In an official statement, Nottingham Forest emphasized the importance of player health and well-being, stating, “This incident is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player’s health and wellbeing must always come first.” The club has also criticized media reports suggesting internal conflict, labeling them as “fake news” .
As the football community awaits further updates, the focus remains on Awoniyi’s recovery and the lessons to be learned regarding player safety protocols.
