Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma to aid his recovery following urgent abdominal surgery, according to reports on Tuesday.The Nigeria international player was rushed to hospital for the surgery on Monday after sustaining a serious injury during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester in the Premier League.
Although there is no indication that the 27-year-old’s condition is life-threatening, it is understood that the coma is intended to help limit his movement and regulate his heart rate during recovery.
Awoniyi collided with a post while attempting to score in the closing stages of the match against Leicester. He received several minutes of treatment on the pitch before being allowed to continue playing. Despite visible discomfort, Awoniyi played on as Forest, chasing Champions League qualification, had already used all of their substitutes.
The severity of Awoniyi’s injury was revealed on Monday by the club’s medical staff, leading to his urgent hospitalisation for surgery. On Tuesday afternoon, Nottingham Forest confirmed that Awoniyi was “recovering well.”
However, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was reportedly involved in a heated exchange with manager Nuno Espírito Santo on the City Ground pitch immediately after Sunday’s match. The incident followed criticism of Marinakis’ behaviour, with Forest stating that the confrontation stemmed from the owner’s frustration at Awoniyi continuing to play despite the injury.
In a statement on Tuesday, the club clarified that Marinakis’ reaction was driven by his deep emotional investment in the welfare of the player. “At Nottingham Forest, this principle is not just policy for us; it is a deeply held belief and conviction of our owner,” the statement said.
It continued: “To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn’t just a football club – it’s family – and he instils that message in all of us. His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment in one of our own. In moments like that, he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence. When he saw our player clearly in discomfort, struggling through visible pain, it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines. His frustration at seeing our player in such severe pain triggered him to go onto the pitch. It was instinctive, human, and a reflection of just how much this team and its people mean to him. He would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were to reoccur.”
