Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi was placed in a medically induced coma after undergoing abdominal surgery following a collision with the goalpost during the team’s match against Leicester on Sunday, as reported by BBC.
In the 88th minute of the game at the City Ground, Awoniyi collided with the goalpost while attempting to play a cross. Both Awoniyi and Leicester’s Facundo Buonanotte hit the post, with Awoniyi’s stomach taking the impact directly. Although they continued playing, Awoniyi later experienced severe pain and difficulty moving, leading to concerns about his condition.
Following the match, Awoniyi underwent abdominal surgery to address his injuries. Subsequently, he was placed in a coma to facilitate his recovery. The The Guardian reported that his injury is not life-threatening, and the coma is being used to manage his movement and heart rate.
Further medical procedures are scheduled for Awoniyi, and details about his recovery timeline and return to play are currently unknown.
“The seriousness of his injury serves as a stark reminder of the physical risks involved in football, emphasizing the paramount importance of prioritizing a player’s health and well-being,” Nottingham Forest stated. “This fundamental belief is deeply ingrained in our club’s values and upheld by our owner.”
Awoniyi, in his third season with Forest, has contributed one goal in three starts this season. With two matches remaining, including one against West Ham United, Forest aims to secure a top-five position in the Premier League to qualify for the Champions League.