Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury explained: 10 facts on what really happened to the Super Eagles forward

Taiwo Awoniyi injury. Image mix: Author

Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury explained: 10 facts on what really happened to the Super Eagles forward

Kolawole Babatunde 11:29 - 15.05.2025

Here is all you need to know about the serious abdominal injury that left the Super Eagles striker in an induced coma during the recovery procedure.

Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi is currently recovering from a life-threatening abdominal injury sustained during a Premier League clash with Leicester City, an incident that has shaken the club to its core and also raised critical questions about player welfare and medical protocols in professional football.

A timeline of events on Taiwo Awoniyi's serious abdominal injury, induced coma and recovery

1. The Nigerian striker was involved in a horrifying moment during the match on 11 May 2025 when he collided forcefully with the goalpost while trying to convert a cross from teammate Anthony Elanga. 

Taiwo Awoniyi injured against Leicester City
Taiwo Awoniyi injury. Taiwo Awoniyi injured against Leicester City (Credit: Imago)

Although the impact looked painful, Awoniyi initially received quick treatment on the pitch and was controversially allowed to continue playing. 

At the time, it appeared to be a heavy knock, but no one could have anticipated the extent of the damage that had occurred internally.

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2. The following day, reports confirmed that Awoniyi’s condition had deteriorated overnight. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors discovered he had suffered a ruptured intestine, a serious internal injury that required immediate emergency surgery

3. Following the operation, Awoniyi was placed in an induced coma to stabilise his condition and manage the trauma. The decision to put him into a coma was taken as a precaution to allow his body time to recover from the extensive internal damage and surgical procedure.

Taiwo Awoniyi injury
Taiwo Awoniyi celebrating a goal for Nottingham Forest

4. On May 13, Nottingham Forest issued an official statement updating fans on Awoniyi’s condition and expressing support for their player. The club confirmed the surgery had been successful but emphasised that he remained in intensive care. 

This update came amid a wave of concern across the football world, particularly in Nigeria, where Awoniyi is considered one of the country’s brightest attacking talents.

5. The incident sparked outrage behind the scenes at Nottingham Forest, particularly from club owner Evangelos Marinakis, who was reportedly furious with how the situation was handled by the medical staff on the day. 

Sources close to the club revealed that Marinakis had stormed onto the pitch after the full-time whistle in a show of frustration and alarm. 

He later demanded an internal review into the circumstances that led to Awoniyi being allowed to play on after such a serious collision.

6. Marinakis’s fury was driven by a belief that the club’s medical team had failed in their duty of care. 

Taiwo Awoniyi injury
Evangelos Marinakis and Nuno Espirito Santo were involved in a heated confrontation at full time | Imago

According to those close to the matter, he felt that Awoniyi’s injury was visibly severe and that he should have been substituted immediately, mirroring concerns from fans and pundits who questioned how a player could continue after colliding with a solid metal post and displaying obvious signs of pain.

7. As investigations began internally at Forest, further details of the events leading up to and following the injury came to light. It was revealed that Awoniyi began feeling intense abdominal pain during the night after the match, prompting him to seek urgent medical attention. It was only then that the true nature of his injury, a ruptured intestine, was diagnosed.

8. On May 14, national and international media reported that Awoniyi was expected to be brought out of the induced coma within 24 to 48 hours, provided his condition continued to stabilise. 

Forest sources indicated optimism around his recovery, although they were reluctant to offer any timeline for a return to football activities. Instead, the club reiterated its focus on Awoniyi’s health and wellbeing above all else.

9. In the late hours on May 14, good news came that Awoniyi’s abdominal surgery was done, and he had woken from the induced coma he was placed in, reuniting with his family.

10. The football community around the world and in Nigeria showed public support for Awoniyi during this incident. 

The striker’s former club, Hertha Berlin, made a post, while his Super Eagles teammate Victor Osimhen followed suit.

Retired Nigerian and Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi also showed his love and support on social media, as did 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi.

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