Nottingham Forest striker and Nigeria international, Taiwo Awoniyi, has undergone emergency surgery after sustaining an abdominal injury during Sunday’s 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City at the City Ground.
The injury occurred when Awoniyi collided with the goalpost while attempting to convert a cross from Anthony Elanga. Despite receiving treatment for several minutes on the pitch, he initially tried to continue playing. However, further examination on Monday revealed the injury was more serious than initially thought, prompting immediate surgical intervention. The procedure was not life-threatening, according to reports.
The incident sparked a dramatic scene at full-time as Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stormed onto the pitch and confronted manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Marinakis was reportedly furious that Awoniyi had remained on the pitch despite visible discomfort and after Nuno had consulted the club’s medical staff during added time.
The draw was a setback for Forest, who saw their Champions League hopes dented. The club, currently seventh on the Premier League table, are now one point adrift of the top five — the qualification zone for next season’s expanded UEFA Champions League — with just two games remaining against West Ham and Chelsea.
While Forest are guaranteed a place in the UEFA Conference League — their first European appearance since the 1995-96 season — a Champions League return for the first time since their golden era in 1980-81 is now out of their hands.
Awoniyi’s absence comes at a crucial point in Forest’s season, and the club will be hoping for a swift recovery for the 26-year-old forward, who remains a key part of their attacking setup.
