Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, has expressed gratitude following emergency surgery and a period spent in an induced coma after suffering a serious abdominal injury.

The 27-year-old Nottingham Forest forward sustained a ruptured intestine during the club’s 2-2 English Premier League draw with Leicester City last Sunday.
He was admitted to hospital the following day and underwent two surgeries before being placed in a medically induced coma. Awoniyi regained consciousness on Wednesday.

In a message posted on Instagram on Sunday, Awoniyi thanked football fans, family, and Nigerians for their support throughout what he described as “one of the most difficult” seasons of his career.

“This season has been one of the most difficult of my career, but through it all, I have felt the love,” he wrote. “With the grace of God, I am grateful to still be here, to still be fighting, to still be smiling, and to be in good spirits.”

He acknowledged the prayers and kind words he received, adding, “To my family, friends, and football fans, thank you for the support, and to everyone back home in Nigeria who has checked in on me, prayed for me, and left kind words, thank you. I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover.”

Awoniyi also thanked Nottingham Forest teammates, coaches, and staff for their visits and encouragement during his hospital stay. “Seeing you all on your visit to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say,” he said.

He concluded by wishing the team success in their remaining fixtures: “Wishing the boys the very best in these last two games, keep believing and keep pushing. I’m with you all the way, and I can’t wait to be back out there with the boys doing what I love.”