Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is on the path to recovery after waking from an induced coma on Wednesday evening.
The Nottingham Forest star had undergone emergency abdominal surgery after a terrifying collision with the goalpost during Forest’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Leicester City.
The incident, which occurred in the 88th minute, left fans and teammates stunned as Awoniyi tried to convert a cross from Anthony Elanga. Although Elanga was later flagged offside, the damage had been done.
Awoniyi clattered into the post and was initially treated on the pitch before being taken to hospital the following day.
Ruptured intestine and two-phase surgery
According to sources close to Nottingham Forest, Awoniyi suffered a ruptured intestine, prompting immediate medical intervention.
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The first stage of surgery took place on Monday night, after which he was placed in an induced coma for 24 hours. As part of the procedure, medical staff monitored his condition closely before proceeding to the second phase of the operation on Wednesday.
Following the successful closing of the wound, Awoniyi was gradually brought out of the coma. By early Wednesday evening, the 27-year-old regained consciousness to the relief of his club and the Nigerian football community.
Forest to launch internal investigation
However, despite the positive outcome, the club’s handling of the situation has sparked serious concerns.
Nottingham Forest is now preparing an internal review to assess why Awoniyi was initially allowed to continue playing after the collision. Although the striker indicated he was fit to go on, his visible discomfort became apparent within minutes.
Due to Nuno Espirito Santo having exhausted all substitutions, Awoniyi remained on the pitch. This decision has drawn scrutiny, especially after Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis entered the pitch post-match to question the medical team’s judgment.
In their official statement, the club openly criticised the decision, expressing frustration that the player was permitted to continue.
Recurring injury woes for the Nigerian forward
This isn’t the first time Awoniyi has suffered a serious matchday injury this year. Back in February, he was stretchered off during stoppage time in Forest’s FA Cup fourth-round clash against Exeter City.
Although the team advanced on penalties, the forward’s injury stole the headlines.
Awoniyi opened the scoring in the 37th minute before clashing with Exeter goalkeeper Joe Whitworth while contesting a high ball.
Whitworth’s punch intended to clear the danger instead connected flush with Awoniyi’s face. Bloodied and dazed, he required over ten minutes of medical treatment before being stretchered off.
Forest manager Nuno later confirmed that the striker likely suffered a broken nose. Although he was said to be in good spirits at the time.
Controversy over offside protocols
Awoniyi’s latest injury has also stirred debate over the Premier League’s offside protocol under the video assistant referee (VAR).
Because Elanga was in a potentially goal-scoring position, the assistant referee withheld the flag until the sequence ended — a delay that proved costly. Critics argue that waiting to call offside in obvious situations exposes players to unnecessary risk.
Introduced by IFAB in the 2020–21 season, the “wait and see” offside rule aimed to protect attacking phases but has occasionally led to unintended consequences. Awoniyi’s case may now serve as a catalyst for reviewing how the law is implemented in relation to player safety.
Tags: Nottingham Forest, Taiwo Awoniyi, coma, induced coma, Leicester City, emergency abdominal surgery, ruptured intestine, two-phase surgery, Premier League, #EPL, Super Eagles, Joe Whitworth, Exeter City, IFAB, VAR, offside protocols, Evangelos Marinakis, Nuno Espirito Santo.
