Nigerian international and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone emergency surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during a Premier League match against Leicester City.
According to reports from Mail Sport, the 27-year-old Super Eagles forward suffered the injury in the closing minutes of Nottingham Forest's 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Sunday at the City Ground when he collided with a goalpost.
The incident occurred as Awoniyi stretched to connect with a cross from teammate Anthony Elanga. Despite receiving several minutes of treatment on the pitch, he attempted to continue playing. However, the full extent of his injury was only discovered by the club's medical staff the following day, necessitating immediate hospitalization and an urgent surgical procedure.
The situation has reportedly caused tension within the club, with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis expressing frustration over the medical staff's handling of the injury. Marinakis was seen having an on-pitch discussion with manager Nuno Espirito Santo following the incident.
Compounding the issue was the fact that Awoniyi could not be substituted after the injury as Forest had already used their final substitution window to replace Elliot Anderson with Jota Silva.
The Nigerian striker required approximately three minutes of treatment on the field before attempting to continue playing, a decision that appears to have potentially worsened his condition.
Awoniyi has been a key figure for both Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and the Nigerian national team. The club has not yet released an official statement regarding his recovery timeline or when he might return to action.
This injury comes at a critical time for Nottingham Forest as they continue their campaign to secure their position in the Premier League for next season.
