Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi placed in induced coma after surgery following Leicester game

LONDON, May 14 — Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma to aid his recovery following urgent abdominal surgery, according to reports on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old Nigerian international was rushed to the hospital for the surgery on Monday after sustaining a serious injury during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Leicester in the Premier League.

Although his condition is not considered life-threatening, it is understood that the coma is being used to limit his movement and help regulate his heart rate.

Awoniyi collided with a post while attempting to score in the final minutes of the match against Leicester. He received several minutes of treatment before returning to the field.

Despite visible discomfort, Awoniyi continued playing as Forest, who are chasing Champions League qualification, had already used all their substitutions.

On Monday, the club's medical staff confirmed the extent of his injury, and he was immediately taken to the hospital for surgery.

Nottingham Forest stated on Tuesday afternoon that Awoniyi is “recovering well.”

However, the club’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, appeared to be involved in a heated exchange with manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the City Ground pitch immediately after Sunday’s game. Forest later clarified that Marinakis’ frustration stemmed from Awoniyi continuing to play despite the injury.

The club issued a statement emphasizing the deep bond between Marinakis and the team. "At Nottingham Forest, this principle is not just policy for us; it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner," the statement read.

“For Evangelos Marinakis, this isn’t just a football club — it’s family — and he instills that message in all of us. That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation that unfolded at the City Ground on Sunday.”

The statement continued: “His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment in one of our own. In moments like that, he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence.”

The club also explained that during the final 10 minutes of the match, when Marinakis saw Awoniyi in obvious pain, it became increasingly difficult for him to stay off the pitch. His frustration at seeing a player in severe pain led him to step onto the field, driven by instinct and a reflection of how much the team and its people mean to him.

"If such an unfortunate event were ever to happen again, he would do the same." — AFP