Taiwo Awoniyi in Induced Coma After Surgery Amid Tensions at Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma following emergency surgery on an abdominal injury sustained during the club’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City on Sunday, according to reports from Britain’s PA news agency.

The Nigerian international, 27, collided with the goalpost after coming on as a second-half substitute in the Premier League clash. Initially treated on the pitch, Awoniyi signaled he was fit to continue, prompting manager Nuno Espirito Santo to proceed with his final substitution — Elliot Anderson for Jota Silva in the 91st minute.

However, Awoniyi was visibly in discomfort for the remainder of the game, effectively leaving Forest a man down during a critical phase in their hunt for Champions League qualification.

Forest later confirmed that Awoniyi underwent “urgent” abdominal surgery on Monday and is now “recovering well.” The decision to place him in a medically induced coma was reportedly made to help stabilize his condition by restricting movement and regulating his heart rate.

The injury and its aftermath have sparked controversy within the club. Following the final whistle at the City Ground, club owner Evangelos Marinakis entered the pitch and was seen arguing with Espirito Santo. The manager later explained the tense exchange as stemming from “a miscommunication between the bench and the medical team.”

“Taiwo said he was okay, and we believed we could go ahead with our final change,” Espirito Santo said. “But clearly, he wasn’t in a condition to continue, and it hurt us at the end.”

Forest, currently sitting seventh in the Premier League, is just one point behind fifth-placed Chelsea. With only two games remaining — away to West Ham and at home against Chelsea — the battle for a top-five finish and a historic Champions League spot is heating up.

Awoniyi’s absence will be a blow to Forest’s attacking options in this critical final stretch. Though not a regular starter this season due to earlier injuries, his physical presence and knack for crucial goals have been vital for the team in key moments.

As the club rallies around their striker, fans and players alike will be hoping for a swift and full recovery for Awoniyi, while Forest continues its push for European football under increasing pressure on and off the pitch.