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Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has provided a cautiously optimistic update on striker Taiwo Awoniyi after the Nigerian was placed in an induced coma following emergency abdominal surgery.
The 27-year-old forward sustained the injury after colliding with a goalpost during Forest’s dramatic 2-2 Premier League draw with Leicester City last Sunday. Although he briefly returned to the pitch, he was visibly struggling and was later rushed to hospital, where two surgeries were performed to treat internal damage. Doctors then placed him in a medically induced coma to support his recovery.
Speaking at his Friday press conference, Nuno confirmed the surgeries were successful and described Awoniyi’s current condition as “positive.”
“He went to surgery, surgery went well, thank God,” said the Forest boss. “He is under observation now, but he is recovering. We still have to wait for the doctors to allow visits. We are concerned, but it is positive.”
Awoniyi is now awake and communicating with his family, though he remains in hospital for continued care. Nuno admitted the ordeal has been tough on everyone at the club.
“It’s been very difficult on us and on everybody—the concern of the injury and the situation he went through,” Nuno added. “It’s been hard on us.”
Awoniyi’s injury raised questions about player welfare after he was briefly allowed to return to play, despite clearly struggling to move. The true extent of his condition was not known until Monday, when Forest’s medical team revealed the severity of the damage.
Despite the distressing circumstances, Forest continue their push for European football. They currently sit seventh in the Premier League, with two matches remaining. While they have secured European qualification, they are now unlikely to reach the top five and earn a Champions League spot.
