Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi thanks fans, family and friends after surgery

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Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has shared a positive update following a serious injury that recently required emergency surgery.

Earlier this week, Awoniyi was placed in an induced coma after suffering a ruptured intestine—an injury that posed a potentially life-threatening risk. Thankfully, he is now recovering well after undergoing urgent surgery.

The incident occurred during Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City, when Awoniyi collided with the goalpost. Despite receiving several minutes of treatment, he initially returned to the pitch but was eventually forced off.

ALSO READ: Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi Out of Coma, Recovering Well

Forest had already used their final substitution, having brought on Jota Silva for Elliot Anderson, leaving Awoniyi with no choice but to attempt to continue. However, he was visibly struggling and unable to move properly as the team pushed for a late winner.

Head coach Nuno Espírito Santo confirmed ahead of Sunday’s match that Awoniyi will remain in hospital for several more days, ruling him out of traveling to east London to support his teammates.

Awoniyi wrote:

This season has been one of the most difficult of my career, but through it all, I have felt the love. With the grace of God, I am grateful to still be here, to still be fighting, to still be smiling, and to be in good spirits.

To my teammates, coaches, staff, and the entire Forest family, thank you for your well wishes. Seeing you all on your visit to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say. Wishing the boys the very best in these last two games, keep believing and keep pushing. I’m with you all the way, and I can’t wait to be back out there with the boys doing what I love.

To my family, friends, and football fans, thank you for the support, and to everyone back home in Nigeria who has checked in on me, prayed for me, and left kind words, thank you. I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover. Come on you Reds!

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Prior to their match against West Ham, the Nottingham Forest squad warmed up wearing plain white shirts bearing the message “We’re all with you, Taiwo” on the front, with Awoniyi’s name and number 9 printed on the back.

Following his opening goal, Morgan Gibbs-White paid tribute by holding up Awoniyi’s shirt in celebration.