Taiwo Awoniyi has spoken publicly for the first time since waking from an induced coma, releasing a heartfelt statement following a serious injury sustained during Nottingham Forest’s recent 2-2 draw against Leicester City.
The Nigerian striker, who formerly played for Liverpool, collided with the post late in the match at the City Ground. Despite receiving treatment on the pitch, Awoniyi was allowed to return and complete the game. However, complications soon followed, leading to emergency surgery and the decision to place him in a medically induced coma. A second operation was carried out on Wednesday, after which he regained consciousness later that evening.
Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo provided an update in Friday’s press conference, confirming that Awoniyi remained under close observation in hospital. “He has to be there for at least five days. I’ll try to visit him as soon as I can,” said Nuno. “He’s in good hands, his family is there. The players are chatting in their groups and we know he is well. He just needs time. Hopefully, next week he can be around again. He is a wonderful boy and this season has been so hard on him. We feel so sorry.”
On Sunday, Awoniyi broke his silence, posting an emotional message on Instagram thanking fans, teammates, and loved ones for their support. “This season has been one of the most difficult of my career but through it all, I have felt the love,” he wrote. “With the grace of God, I am grateful to still be here, to still be fighting, to still be smiling, and to be in good spirits.”
He also thanked his Nottingham Forest teammates, coaches, and staff: “Seeing you all on your visit to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say. Wishing the boys the very best in these last two games – keep believing and keep pushing. I’m with you all the way and I can’t wait to be back out there doing what I love.”
Awoniyi extended his appreciation to supporters around the world, especially those in Nigeria: “To everyone back home who has checked in on me, prayed for me, and left kind words – thank you. I see them, I feel them, and I carry them with me every day as I recover.”
According to BBC Sport, Nottingham Forest will now conduct an internal review into the handling of the incident, specifically questioning why Awoniyi was permitted to continue playing after such a severe collision.
The 26-year-old began his professional journey in England when he joined Liverpool in 2015 from Nigeria’s Imperial Academy for a reported £400,000. Although he never made a senior appearance for the Reds due to work permit issues, Awoniyi spent six years on their books and gained experience through a series of loan spells before moving permanently to Union Berlin in 2021. He joined Forest in 2022.
