Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone emergency surgery after sustaining an abdominal injury during Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Sunday.
The 27-year-old suffered the injury in the closing minutes at the City Ground after colliding with the goalpost while attempting to convert a cross from Anthony Elanga. Despite receiving several minutes of treatment on the pitch, Awoniyi initially tried to continue playing.
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However, Forest’s medical team only discovered the full extent of the injury on Monday. He was immediately taken for emergency surgery, which, according to reports, was not life-threatening.
The incident sparked a dramatic reaction from Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who stormed onto the pitch after the final whistle and confronted head coach Nuno Espirito Santo. Marinakis was reportedly furious that Awoniyi was not substituted earlier, despite Nuno having consulted with the club’s medical staff during stoppage time.
Awoniyi’s injury compounded a frustrating day for Nottingham Forest, whose hopes of a historic Champions League qualification took a major hit with the draw against already-relegated Leicester.
Nuno’s side now sits seventh in the Premier League, one point outside the top five, with only two matches remaining, against West Ham and top-five rivals Chelsea. Only the top five places guarantee Champions League football next season.
Despite the setback in their Champions League push, Nottingham Forest are guaranteed at least a place in the UEFA Conference League, marking their return to European football for the first time since the 1995/96 season.
Awoniyi’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, but his absence will be a major blow for Forest’s crucial final fixtures.
