Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi faced a terrifying moment on Sunday during their dramatic 2-2 draw with Leicester City.
After crashing into a post, the striker continued to play despite the severity of his injury, which could have been life-threatening.
While initially carrying on after treatment, the full extent of his injury became clear only days later, leading to urgent surgery.
A Frightening Incident on the Field
The incident occurred when Awoniyi collided with a goalpost, leaving him in visible distress.
After a few minutes of treatment on the pitch, he tried to resume play, but it was clear that something wasn’t right.
With his movement hindered, he struggled to stay in the game as Forest fought for a crucial win that would have boosted their Champions League hopes.
To add to the confusion, Leicester’s Facundo Buonanotte also slammed into the same post moments later, further compounding the tension on the field.
Despite his injuries, Awoniyi couldn’t be substituted because Forest had already used their last substitution earlier in the match.
Emergency Surgery Reveals the Gravity of the Injury
The gravity of Awoniyi’s injury became clear on Monday when the club confirmed he had been rushed to the hospital for immediate surgery.
It was later revealed that the injury was serious enough that, in rare cases, it could be fatal.
Forest acted quickly to ensure he received the necessary medical care, and now, the player is recovering following the procedure.
Forest’s Manager and Owner in Heated Discussion
Following the match, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was seen in what appeared to be a tense exchange with manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
According to sources, Marinakis expressed concern not just for Awoniyi’s well-being, but also about how the injury had been handled during the match.
However, it is believed that the exchange was not a confrontation over the manager’s tactics but rather a shared worry for the player’s health.
The Fallout from a Disappointing Draw
The match itself ended in a draw, a result that could have major consequences for Forest’s Champions League aspirations.
Despite pushing for a late winner, the team couldn’t secure all three points.
To make matters worse, there was controversy surrounding an offside decision that allowed Anthony Elanga to advance towards goal, which ultimately resulted in a drop in points for Forest.
These lost points may prove to be costly.
Even if Forest wins their last two matches, they will now be hoping for other teams to slip up in the final stretch of the season.
Forest’s Official Statement
Nottingham Forest issued an official statement confirming that Awoniyi underwent surgery following his abdominal injury.
The club expressed their support for the player and wished him a speedy recovery.
“Everyone at Nottingham Forest sends their best wishes to Taiwo,” the spokesperson said, adding that further updates would be provided when necessary.
This incident has raised concerns about player safety and how injuries are managed in high-pressure moments.
For now, Forest fans will be hoping for a swift recovery for their striker, whose health is the top priority.