Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone emergency surgery after suffering an abdominal injury during Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Sunday.
Awoniyi was injured while trying to score from a cross by teammate Anthony Elanga. He collided with the goalpost in the process and received treatment on the pitch before trying to continue playing. However, after further checks on Monday, doctors at the club discovered the full extent of the injury and rushed him for immediate surgery.
Nottingham Forest confirmed the news on their official X (formerly Twitter) page, saying: “The Club can confirm Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone urgent surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City. Everyone at Nottingham Forest sends their best wishes to Taiwo. The Club will provide further updates when appropriate.”
The surgery is not life-threatening, and the player is now recovering.
The injury sparked tension after the match, as Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis stormed onto the pitch and confronted head coach Nuno Espirito Santo. Marinakis was reportedly angry that Awoniyi was allowed to continue playing, despite being in pain and after medical discussions during stoppage time.
Awoniyi’s injury came on a tough day for Forest, as the draw with Leicester hurt their chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. The team is now seventh in the Premier League and one point behind the top five, with only two games left — against West Ham and Chelsea.
Despite the setback, Nottingham Forest are guaranteed a place in the UEFA Conference League next season. This will be their first time playing European football since the 1995–96 season.
