Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is currently in an induced coma after undergoing the first phase of surgery for a severe abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City at the City Ground.

The 27-year-old forward collided with the post in the 88th minute while attempting to connect with a cross from Anthony Elanga. Though he initially continued playing after on-pitch treatment, he struggled visibly before the match concluded.

Awoniyi underwent surgery on Monday night and remains hospitalised, with the second phase of the procedure scheduled for Wednesday. Nottingham Forest confirmed on Tuesday that he is “recovering well” following the operation.

In a statement, Nottingham Forest highlighted the incident as “a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player’s health and wellbeing must always come first.”

Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, expressed concern over how Awoniyi’s injury was handled during the match. He reportedly spoke with manager Nuno Espirito Santo after the game and has been receiving regular updates on the player’s condition.

Awoniyi, who joined Nottingham Forest from Union Berlin in June 2022, has been an essential part of the team’s attack. On Sunday, he came on as a late substitute for Ibrahim Sangare, playing just five minutes before the collision occurred.

Forest and the wider football community are closely monitoring his recovery, with hopes for a successful surgery on Wednesday and a positive outcome in the coming days.