Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has woken from an induced coma following emergency surgery to repair a ruptured intestine—an injury sustained in a horrific collision during Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City. The Nigerian international clattered into a goalpost during the closing moments of the Premier League encounter on Sunday, an impact that initially appeared less severe than it turned out to be.
Despite showing signs of discomfort, Awoniyi reportedly insisted he could continue playing. With Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo having exhausted his substitutions, the forward remained on the pitch. However, his condition deteriorated rapidly after the final whistle, prompting an urgent hospital visit on Monday where scans confirmed the life-threatening abdominal injury.
Induced Coma and Two-Stage Operation
Awoniyi underwent a complex two-part surgical procedure. The first stage was conducted on Monday shortly after his arrival at the hospital. He was placed in an induced coma for close monitoring on Tuesday, a precaution often taken to reduce stress on the body during post-operative care. The second stage of the surgery took place on Wednesday, during which doctors successfully closed the abdominal wound.
By Wednesday evening, Awoniyi was brought out of the coma. While he is now stable, medical experts stress that the injury could have had fatal consequences. Nottingham Forest confirmed in a Tuesday statement that the striker had undergone surgery, but also hinted at serious concerns regarding the handling of the injury during the match.
Forest Launches Internal Investigation
The club is now set to open an internal review to investigate the handling of Awoniyi’s condition during and after the match. Forest’s statement referenced a “shared frustration” that medical staff allowed the striker to continue playing despite clear signs of distress. Club owner Evangelos Marinakis was seen on the pitch post-match, visibly concerned as he spoke with Espirito Santo about the incident.
Video footage revealed Awoniyi grimacing and clutching his midsection, yet continuing play. Forest sources say the internal review will focus on the decisions made by the club’s medical team and coaching staff, aiming to establish why a player suffering from what has now been described as a potentially fatal injury was not immediately substituted or rushed off the field.
Medical Experts Weigh In on the Severity
Consultant colorectal surgeon Professor Gillian Tierney, speaking to Opitanglobamedia Football, emphasized the grave nature of the injury. “This is a potentially life-threatening injury,” she said. “Ruptured intestines are hard to detect immediately and could take hours to diagnose, especially in a fit athlete running on adrenaline.” Tierney explained that while elite athletes have better survival prospects, the risk remains significant, with mortality rates hovering around 9% for such trauma.
Mr. Harpaul Flora, a consultant vascular and general surgeon at The London Clinic, also described the injury as rare but dangerous. “Whether it’s a compression or artery tear, it’s extremely difficult to diagnose without imaging,” Flora said. “Left untreated, this could lead to sepsis, which is life-threatening.”
Road to Recovery and Future Implications
With the critical stages of surgery behind him, Awoniyi faces a lengthy period of rehabilitation. No timeline has been set for his return, and medical professionals are likely to take a cautious approach given the severity of his condition. Forest fans and the footballing world have rallied in support of the forward, sending messages of encouragement and prayers for his full recovery.
The incident is expected to trigger broader discussions within the Premier League regarding in-game medical protocols, particularly in situations where players are visibly distressed yet opt—or are allowed—to continue. For Forest, the priority now is not only the player’s recovery but also restoring trust in the club’s medical and safety protocols.
