Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering well after undergoing urgent surgery for a serious abdominal injury, Nottingham Forest confirmed on Monday.

The 27-year-old forward sustained the injury during Sunday's Premier League match against Leicester City, which ended in a 2-2 draw at the City Ground. Awoniyi collided painfully with a goalpost during the game, requiring approximately three minutes of on-pitch treatment.

Despite attempting to continue playing after getting back to his feet, the Nigerian international was unable to cope with the pain and had to be substituted.

In an official statement released on their social media platform X, Nottingham Forest said: "Nottingham Forest can confirm that Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering well so far, following urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday's match."

The club emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating: "The seriousness of his injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player's health and well-being must always come first."

Nottingham Forest also highlighted the personal concern of club owner Evangelos Marinakis, adding: "At Nottingham Forest, this principle is not just policy for us; it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner. To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn't just a football club, it is a family."

The club's medical staff identified the need for immediate medical intervention, leading to Awoniyi undergoing surgery on Monday.

This incident has prompted discussions about player safety in the Premier League, with reports indicating that the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) is advocating for new safety regulations following Awoniyi's injury.

The timeline for Awoniyi's return to action has not yet been disclosed by the club as he begins his recovery process.