Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi Undergoes Urgent Surgery After Injury

NOTTINGHAM, England – Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi underwent urgent surgery Monday night after sustaining a serious abdominal injury during a Premier League match against Leicester City on Sunday.

The 27-year-old Nigeria international collided with the goalpost in the 88th minute of the 2-2 draw at the City Ground. Awoniyi was attempting to reach a cross from Anthony Elanga when the incident occurred.

The club confirmed Awoniyi’s surgery, stating, “Everyone at Nottingham Forest sends their best wishes to Taiwo. The club will provide further updates when appropriate.” Initially, Awoniyi continued playing after receiving treatment but struggled to maintain mobility, prompting a medical examination on Monday.

Awoniyi had been on the pitch for just five minutes after coming on as a late substitute for Ibrahim Sangare prior to his injury. Despite the team’s pressing for a crucial late goal to aid their Champions League ambitions, Awoniyi was unable to contribute effectively.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis expressed frustration regarding the medical staff’s decision to allow Awoniyi to continue playing post-injury. “We were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgment on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game,” Marinakis stated.

The incident also involved Leicester midfielder Facundo Buonanotte, who collided with the post moments after Awoniyi. The play continued despite a potential offside with Elanga, leading to visible concerns from the Forest camp.

Sunday’s outcome has implications for Forest’s Champions League hopes, as they now find themselves needing favorable results from rival teams in their final fixtures. Forest currently sits one point behind Chelsea in the Premier League standings.