Nottingham, UK — Nigerian international Taiwo Awoniyi has spoken out for the first time since undergoing emergency abdominal surgery that left him in a medically induced coma earlier this month, calling the 2024/25 campaign “one of the most difficult seasons” of his career.
The Nottingham Forest striker took to Instagram on Sunday to express his gratitude and reflect on his recovery journey.
“This season has been one of the most difficult of my career, but through it all, I have felt the love,” Awoniyi 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.”
Health Crisis on the Pitch
Awoniyi’s ordeal began on May 12, during Forest’s 2–2 draw against Leicester City at the City Ground. While attempting to convert a cross from teammate Anthony Elanga, the 27-year-old collided with the goalpost and sustained a severe abdominal injury. Though he initially resumed play after on-pitch treatment, the true extent of the damage wasn’t discovered until the following day.
Forest’s medical team immediately rushed him into urgent surgery, and the club confirmed on social media that he had undergone the procedure successfully. Reports later revealed that Awoniyi had been placed in an induced coma during recovery — a measure Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo confirmed in a press conference on May 16.
“We are concerned, but it is positive,” Nuno said. “The situation he went through has been hard on us.”
Gratitude and Determination
In his message, Awoniyi thanked his teammates, coaches, club staff, fans, and the entire Forest community for their support during his hospitalization.
“Seeing you all on your visit to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say,” he said. “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.”
He also extended heartfelt thanks to his family, friends, and supporters back home in Nigeria.
“To everyone back home in Nigeria 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.”
Awoniyi ended his post with the words: “Still fighting, still smiling. #Godisthegreatest.”
Champions League Hopes Fade, Conference League Secured
The injury came on a dramatic day for Nottingham Forest, who slipped in the Premier League standings following the draw with Leicester. The setback compounded the pressure on the squad’s chase for a Champions League spot.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly confronted Nuno Espírito Santo on the pitch after the match, questioning why Awoniyi remained on the field despite visible signs of distress. Sources say Marinakis was furious over the handling of the situation.
Forest now sits seventh in the league, trailing the top five by a single point with two crucial fixtures remaining — against West Ham and Chelsea. While Champions League qualification is now out of their hands, Forest has already secured a berth in the UEFA Conference League, marking the club’s first return to European competition since the 1995/96 season.
