Taiwo Awoniyi, the Nigerian international and Nottingham Forest striker, was urgently taken to the hospital for abdominal surgery following an injury sustained during Forest’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City on Sunday.
The 25-year-old picked up the injury after colliding with the goalpost while attempting to score from an Anthony Elanga cross.
Despite initial treatment, Awoniyi attempted to continue playing, but the full extent of the injury became clear to the medical staff the following day. Reports indicate that the surgery was deemed necessary, though it is not considered life-threatening.
The incident sparked an outburst from Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, who was visibly upset and confronted manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch after the final whistle.
Marinakis expressed concern over Awoniyi’s condition, particularly after the striker remained on the field despite medical consultation during stoppage time.
The match proved costly for Nottingham Forest, as their hopes of securing a Champions League spot took a significant hit with the disappointing draw against relegated Leicester.
Forest, currently in seventh place, now find themselves one point outside the Premier League’s top five, with just two matches remaining against West Ham and Chelsea, both crucial top-five rivals.
Although Champions League qualification now seems out of their hands, Forest is guaranteed a place in the UEFA Conference League, marking their return to European competition for the first time since the 1995-96 season.
