Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest forward, Taiwo Awoniyi, has undergone emergency surgery following a nasty collision with the goalpost during a Premier League clash against Leicester City.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Awoniyi was hospitalized after sustaining an abdominal injury in the final moments of Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester at the City Ground on Sunday.
Despite receiving on-pitch treatment and attempting to continue, the extent of the injury became apparent only the following day, prompting immediate surgical intervention.
The Nigerian international picked up the injury while stretching to connect with a cross from Anthony Elanga, ultimately sliding into the base of the post in the process.
His evident discomfort sparked concern from both team officials and fans, and even led to a brief pitchside exchange between Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
In his post-match comments, Nuno addressed both the injury and the miscommunication that followed, “It was disappointing for everybody.
“Unfortunately, we had to play the last 10 minutes with one man less. Taiwo gave it a go but it was too painful for him to really push and help the team. There was a misunderstanding between the coaching staff and the medical department.
“We had the heads up to make a sub, then Taiwo tried but he could not [run fully]. [We feel] disappointment and frustration of course. But it is because of the owner and his passion that we are growing as a club. He pushes us.
“He wants us to be better. It is his passion and desire to be a big club. 30,000 people felt the same today. For sure, many of them would go on the pitch and shake us down. Us as a club, we owe a lot to the Marinakis family.”
Before the injury setback, Awoniyi had featured 32 times across all competitions this season, contributing two goals to Forest’s campaign.