Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone “urgent” surgery following a serious abdominal injury suffered during last Sunday’s Premier League match against Leicester City at the City Ground.
The 27-year-old Super Eagles international collided with the goalpost in the 88th minute while attempting to convert a cross from Anthony Elanga during the 2-2 draw. Although Awoniyi received on-pitch treatment and managed to continue, he was visibly in discomfort until the final whistle.
A statement from the club read:
“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 will provide further updates when appropriate.”
Awoniyi had only just entered the match, coming on as a substitute for Ibrahim Sangare, when the incident occurred. The striker, who joined Forest from Union Berlin in June 2022, has scored once in the Premier League this season.
Following the match, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis addressed the situation in an Instagram post, explaining his visible frustration at full-time:
“Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgement on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game.”
“This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club.”
Awoniyi, previously on Liverpool’s books from 2015 to 2021 without making a senior appearance, now faces a recovery period. The club has yet to confirm a return timeline.
