Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has regained consciousness after being placed in an induced coma following surgery for a serious abdominal injury, BBC Sport reports.
The 27-year-old Nigerian international sustained a ruptured intestine during Sunday’s Premier League clash against Leicester City. He underwent the first stage of emergency surgery on Monday, after which he was placed in an induced coma on Tuesday so medical staff could closely monitor his condition.
The second stage of the operation, which involved closing the wound, was completed on Wednesday, and Awoniyi has since been brought out of the coma.
“Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi has woken from an induced coma after undergoing surgery to repair a serious abdominal injury,” the BBC report confirmed.
The news has sparked an outpouring of support both at home and abroad. Among those who expressed concern was former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who praised Awoniyi’s courage and resilience.
“I read with deep concern the unfortunate incident involving our own Taiwo Awoniyi, a resilient son of the soil,” Obi said. “Even after colliding with the goalpost and sustaining what has now been revealed as a ruptured intestine, he pressed on — a testament to the Nigerian spirit: strong, unyielding, and ever-committed.”
Obi called on Nigerians to stand in solidarity with Awoniyi and his family, adding, “We must appreciate and celebrate such young men who continue to lift our flag high, even at great personal risk. May he recover fully and return stronger.”
Nigerian photojournalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel, popularly known as OgaNlaMedia, also shared an encouraging update on social media after speaking with a member of Awoniyi’s family.
“I just spoke with a family member of Taiwo Awoniyi — he’s recovering well. His wife is by his side, and he’s responding to treatment. Hopefully, we’ll be able to hear from him soon,” he wrote.
Awoniyi’s condition has continued to improve, and fans around the world remain hopeful for a full recovery and a return to action soon.
