Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has spoken publicly for the first time following a serious abdominal injury that led to emergency surgery and an induced coma earlier this month.
In an emotional Instagram post on Sunday, the 27-year-old Nigerian international described the 2024/25 season as one of the toughest in his professional career.
“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,” he wrote.
Awoniyi extended heartfelt gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and Nottingham Forest staff, emphasizing how their support during his hospital stay lifted his 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,” he said.
9am News report gathered that Awoniyi’s injury occurred during Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City on May 12, after he collided with a goalpost while attempting to convert a cross. Though he initially continued after receiving medical attention, the full extent of the injury became clear the following day.
He was immediately rushed for urgent abdominal surgery, and the club later confirmed via its official X handle that the procedure was successful. However, reports soon revealed that Awoniyi had been placed in a medically induced coma during his recovery.
Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo acknowledged the emotional toll the incident had on the squad. “We are concerned, but it is positive… The situation he went through has been hard on us,” he said during a May 16 press briefing.
Support from Nigeria and Fans Worldwide
Awoniyi also expressed deep appreciation to Nigerian fans, family, and friends for their prayers and support throughout his ordeal.
“To everyone back home in Nigeria who has checked in on me, prayed for me, and left kind words, thank you,” he said. “I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover. Come on, you Reds. Still fighting, still smiling. #Godisthegreatest.”
He offered encouragement to his teammates ahead of the club’s remaining two Premier League matches, writing: “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.”
The injury incident also sparked internal tensions within the club. Owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly confronted manager Nuno at full-time, upset over the decision to leave Awoniyi on the pitch despite his visible distress. The club had just drawn with Leicester, damaging their hopes for Champions League qualification.
Forest now sits seventh on the Premier League table, just one point behind the top five with crucial fixtures against West Ham and Chelsea remaining. While their Champions League dreams hang in the balance, the club has already secured a spot in the UEFA Conference League — their first return to European competition since the 1995/96 season.
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