Nottingham Forest striker and Nigerian international Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma following emergency abdominal surgery after a horrific collision with the goalpost during Sunday’s Premier League clash against Leicester City. The shocking incident has sparked significant debate around in-game injury management protocols in English football.
Brutal Collision Ignored, Left to Play On
The incident occurred in the second half when Awoniyi, who came on as a substitute, slammed into the goalpost while chasing a ball into the box. He received treatment on the pitch for several minutes, but signalled to the bench that he could continue. Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo trusted the player’s judgment and allowed him to stay on the pitch.
Minutes later, Nuno made his final substitution in stoppage time, bringing on Jota Silva for Elliot Anderson, opting not to replace the injured Awoniyi. However, the striker’s condition quickly worsened, and he could no longer continue. With no substitutions left, Forest was forced to play the final minutes with just ten men, which may have cost them valuable points in a tense European race.
Emergency Surgery, Induced Coma
According to British media reports on Tuesday, Taiwo Awoniyi underwent emergency abdominal surgery on Monday following his collision with the goalpost. He was placed in an induced coma to stabilise his condition and support his recovery. Nottingham Forest later issued an official statement to reassure concerned fans that Awoniyi is recovering well and remains under close medical supervision. The club added that their medical staff are doing everything possible to ensure his safe and complete recovery.
Owner’s Anger Over Communication Breakdown
After the final whistle, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stormed onto the pitch in a heated exchange with manager Nuno Espírito Santo, visibly frustrated by how the situation with Taiwo Awoniyi was handled. Sources close to the club revealed that Marinakis was particularly angered by the breakdown in communication between the medical staff and the coaching team, which led to an injured player being left on the pitch during a critical phase of the match.
Addressing the incident in his post-match press conference, Nuno remained composed and understanding. “The owner was understandably emotional,” he said. “His reaction came from genuine concern for the player’s health. It was a tense moment, but our conversation was professional and focused on improving communication within the team.”
In the aftermath, the club issued a statement defending Marinakis, describing his actions as a reflection of his passion and dedication. “Mr. Marinakis’s response was born out of deep care, a strong sense of responsibility, and an emotional commitment to the well-being of our players and the club’s future,” the statement read.
UCL Qualification Race: Two Games, One Dream
With just two games remaining in the season, Nottingham Forest sit 7th in the Premier League on 57 points, just one point behind 5th-placed Chelsea. Under this season’s UEFA coefficient distribution, a top-five finish secures a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Forest face West Ham away before a potential do-or-die showdown against Chelsea at home in the final round. But with Awoniyi now sidelined and his return uncertain, Forest’s hopes of reaching Europe’s elite competition have taken a heavy blow.
The injury and subsequent fallout cast shadows on Forest’s final push. With tension rising, fans wonder if this devastating moment could be the turning point in an otherwise promising season.
