Nigerian international and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has regained consciousness after being placed in an induced coma following emergency surgery for a serious abdominal injury, Mail Sport reports.

The 27-year-old Super Eagles forward underwent a complex operation for what has been described as a potentially fatal abdominal injury. Medical professionals had placed him in intensive care on Wednesday night as surgeons performed the delicate procedure.

According to reports, the surgery has been completed as planned, and Awoniyi is now awake and surrounded by his family while being monitored at the hospital.

The injury occurred during Nottingham Forest's 2-2 draw with Leicester City last weekend when Awoniyi crashed into the goalpost. Despite receiving several minutes of treatment, he bravely continued playing before eventually being taken off.

It was reported that Awoniyi could not be substituted immediately because Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo had already used the team's final substitution to replace Elliot Anderson with Jota Silva.

The news of Awoniyi's injury had prompted an outpouring of concern and prayers from fans and pundits across the football world, with many expressing relief at the positive development in his condition.

While further details about his recovery timeline or potential return to football have not been disclosed, the news that he is out of the induced coma represents a significant positive step in his recovery journey.