Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has opened up about the life-threatening ordeal that saw him undergo emergency surgery and be placed in a medically induced coma earlier this month.

In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram on Sunday, the 27-year-old expressed gratitude to his club, fans and country for the outpouring of love and support during his recovery.

“This season has been one of the most difficult of my career, but through it all, I have felt the love,” Awoniyi 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.”

Awoniyi suffered the abdominal injury during Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City on May 12.

The striker collided with the goalpost while trying to finish a cross from Anthony Elanga.

Though he initially continued playing after receiving on-pitch treatment, the full extent of the injury only became clear the following day.

Forest’s medical team rushed him in for urgent surgery and the club later confirmed the development in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

Reports surfaced on last week Wednesday that Awoniyi had been placed in a medically induced coma as part of his post-surgery care.

In a press conference on Friday, Forest manager Nuno Santo confirmed the reports, revealing that the incident had taken a significant emotional toll on the squad.

“It was a very tough moment for everyone. We’ve all been shaken,” he said.

In his Sunday post, Awoniyi thanked his teammates, coaches and the club’s staff for their unwavering support, especially during hospital visits.

“Seeing you all on your visit to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say,” he said.

He also encouraged the team ahead of their final two matches of the season.

“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.”

Awoniyi extended his appreciation to fans both at home and abroad, “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.

“Come on, you Reds. Still fighting, still smiling. #Godisthegreatest,” he concluded.