By: Kwame Bediako
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma following urgent surgery for a severe abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City. The 27-year-old collided with the goalpost in the final moments of the match, prompting immediate medical attention.
Surgery was carried out on Monday evening, and while his condition is not considered life-threatening, the coma was induced to help regulate his heart rate and limit his movement during recovery. Further treatment and monitoring are expected to continue in the coming days.
The injury occurred late in the match after Awoniyi slid into the goalpost during a controversial moment following a play involving teammate Anthony Elanga, who was clearly offside. Despite the injury, Awoniyi continued to play for several minutes before receiving treatment on the field.
His serious condition has sparked renewed debate about the Premier League’s regulation to allow play to continue in situations where a player may be injured but the game is still active, especially when an offside was involved in the build-up.
Following the incident, Nottingham Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis confronted head coach Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch, with reports suggesting the discussion was related to the medical team’s handling of Awoniyi’s injury.
The club issued a statement emphasizing the importance of player health and safety, describing Awoniyi’s injury as a stark reminder of the physical risks inherent in football. Marinakis’s emotional response demonstrated his deep care and commitment to the well-being of his players, reinforcing the club’s family-like culture.
