Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, has undergone emergency surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during his club’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City at the City Ground.
The 27-year-old forward suffered the injury in the dying minutes of the Premier League clash after colliding with the goalpost while attempting to convert a cross from teammate Anthony Elanga.
Awoniyi overstretched in a desperate attempt to connect with the ball and slammed into the base of the post, immediately writhing in pain.
Medical personnel rushed onto the pitch to attend to him, but the situation sparked controversy as Nottingham Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, was visibly furious over how the club’s medical staff handled the incident.
Eyewitnesses said Marinakis engaged in a heated conversation with head coach Nuno Santo shortly after the match, reportedly questioning the medical team’s preparedness and decision-making.
Awoniyi was transported directly from the stadium to a nearby hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.
As of the time of this report, the club has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the extent of the injury or his expected recovery time, though early reports suggest he could be sidelined for several weeks.
Awoniyi, who has had a season plagued by injuries, was just regaining form after a long-term injury on the sidelines earlier in the season due to a groin issue.
He has made 18 league appearances this season, scoring five goals and assisting twice.
Awoniyi joined Nottingham Forest from Union Berlin in 2022.
