Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma following surgery for a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City.
The 27-year-old Nigeria international collided with the goalpost in the 88th minute while attempting to connect with a cross from Anthony Elanga at the City Ground. Sources close to the team confirmed that Awoniyi suffered a ruptured intestine as a result of the impact.
Awoniyi underwent the first phase of surgery on Monday night and remains in hospital. The remaining procedure is expected to be completed on Wednesday. Nottingham Forest released a statement on Tuesday indicating that the striker is “recovering well” after the initial operation.
The incident occurred after Awoniyi came on as a late substitute for Ibrahim Sangare. Despite Elanga being in an offside position before delivering the cross, the assistant referee delayed raising the flag in line with VAR protocols, which require play to continue if there’s a potential goal-scoring chance.
While the rule aims to preserve scoring opportunities, it has faced criticism for potentially exposing players to unnecessary risks—an issue that has come into sharp focus following Awoniyi’s injury.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly voiced concerns to manager Nuno Espirito Santo immediately after the match regarding how the incident was handled. Marinakis is said to be closely monitoring updates on Awoniyi’s condition.
Awoniyi has scored 19 goals in 83 appearances for Forest since joining the club.
