Nottingham Forest Striker Taiwo Awoniyi Undergoes Emergency Surgery After Playing With Injury From Goalpost Collision

Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery after suffering an abdominal injury during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City.

The 27-year-old sustained the injury late in the match at the City Ground when he collided with the goalpost while attempting to reach a cross from Anthony Elanga. Despite receiving medical attention on the pitch, Awoniyi chose to continue playing. ‘

However, further assessment by the club’s medical team on Monday revealed the severity of the injury, prompting his immediate hospitalisation for surgery.

The incident reportedly angered Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who was said to be upset with manager Nuno Espirito Santo for allowing Awoniyi to continue playing after the collision.

Taiwo Awoniyi required approximately three minutes of treatment on the pitch following his collision with the post, but was ultimately unable to be substituted.

Nottingham Forest had already used their final substitution window to bring on Jota Silva for Elliot Anderson, leaving the team with no option but to keep Awoniyi on the field despite his visible discomfort.

Nuno said: ‘It was disappointing for everybody. 

‘Unfortunately, we had to play the last 10 minutes with one man less.

According to sources close to the club, Taiwo Awoniyi attempted to continue playing despite the pain, but it quickly became evident that he couldn’t perform at the level needed to support the team.

‘We had the heads up to make a sub, then Taiwo tried but he could not [run fully]’, Nuno Espirito Santo said.

‘[We feel] disappointment and frustration of course. But it is because of the owner and his passion that we are growing as a club. He pushes us.

‘He wants us to be better. It is his passion and desire to be a big club.

30,000 people felt the same today. For sure, many of them would go on the pitch and shake us down. Us as a club, we owe a lot to the Marinakis family.’

Marinakis concurred, adding: ‘Today is a day for celebration, because after 30 years Nottingham Forest is now guaranteed to be competing on the European stage once again – a promise I made to our supporters when we achieved promotion!’

‘Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters, and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgment on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game. This is natural.

‘This is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club.

‘Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming!’