Nigerian international and Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, has emerged from an induced coma after undergoing emergency surgery to treat a ruptured intestine sustained during a dramatic 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City on Sunday.
The 26-year-old forward collided with the goalpost in a desperate attempt to connect with a cross from teammate Anthony Elanga late in the match, a move later ruled offside in the build-up. The injury, described by medical professionals as “potentially life-threatening,” sparked immediate concern both on and off the pitch.
Forest confirmed that Awoniyi underwent the first phase of surgery on Monday, followed by an induced coma on Tuesday to stabilise his condition. The second stage of the operation, focused on closing the internal wound, was completed on Wednesday. Awoniyi regained consciousness later that evening.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Professor Gillian Tierney, a consultant colorectal surgeon, warned of the gravity of such injuries: “The injury is really serious. It is potentially life-threatening. It is very easy to miss at the point of contact, and it can take hours to diagnose. Fluid leaking from the intestine would not be easy to identify straight away. The mortality stat is 9%. But if an athlete is fit, they stand a good chance of recovery.”
Echoing the concern, Mr. Harpaul Flora, consultant vascular and general surgeon at The London Clinic, added: “If not treated promptly, such an injury can lead to infection and potentially deadly sepsis.”
Forest speaks on Taiwo Awoniyi
Forest released a statement Tuesday confirming the surgery and expressing strong dissatisfaction with how the situation was handled during the match. Despite visible discomfort and treatment on the pitch, Awoniyi continued playing, as all substitutions had been used by head coach Nuno Espírito Santo.
“There is a shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue,” the club’s statement read.
Post-match, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was seen entering the pitch to speak with the coaching staff, highlighting growing concern over the incident. The club has since launched an internal review to determine why Awoniyi remained on the field and whether proper protocols were followed.
The incident has reignited long-standing debates surrounding VAR and the delayed offside flag rule, which many argue increases the risk of injury. Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett criticised the policy, saying: “This practice does expose the risk to players of injury.”
Former England international Fara Williams was more scathing: “This has been a time bomb waiting to go off. Awoniyi got that horrific injury because of it. I am totally against it. When an offside is so clear, the assistant referee must stop play.”
With Awoniyi now awake and under observation, the football community remains hopeful for his full recovery, but the fallout from Sunday’s match may leave lasting changes in its wake.
