Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering after a serious injury during a match against Leicester City. The 27-year-old collided with a goal post on May 11, 2025, leading to an urgent abdominal surgery. Awoniyi was placed in an induced coma to help manage his recovery and control his heartbeat.
Awoniyi was injured in the final moments of the game, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Despite his injury, he initially attempted to continue playing but was clearly in distress. He was taken to the hospital for surgery on Monday and was expected to undergo a second procedure on Wednesday.
In a statement, Nottingham Forest reported that Awoniyi was recovering well after the surgery. The club’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, expressed deep concern for Awoniyi’s wellbeing, which reportedly fueled his frustration during the game. Observers noted that Marinakis appeared upset with manager Nuno Espirito Santo, but the club clarified that his reaction stemmed from worry for the player rather than the match result.
Awoniyi has had a challenging season, scoring only one goal so far. Nottingham Forest is currently fighting for a spot in the UEFA Champions League, sitting just one point behind Chelsea for fifth place in the Premier League. With two games remaining, every point is crucial for the team’s ambitions.
The club emphasized that Marinakis’ reaction was instinctive and came from care for Awoniyi. They stated there was no confrontation with the manager or staff but a shared concern for the player’s health. The medical team faced criticism for allowing Awoniyi to continue playing after his injury.
Fans and teammates are rallying around Awoniyi as he begins his recovery. The hope is that he will soon be back on the pitch, contributing to Nottingham Forest’s push for a successful end to the season.