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Nuno Espirito Santo, the manager of Nottingham Forest, has stated that the club is “concerned but positive” about the latest development in regards to the striker Taiwo Awoniyi’s health after he was put in an induced coma. Notably, the 27-year-old had undergone an emergency surgery after suffering a serious abdominal injury during Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City in the Premier League, a game which was played on May 11 at the City Ground.
The incident happened when Taiwo Awoniyi collided with the post in his attempt to reach a cross made by Anthony Elanga in the 88th minute, and it was later deemed offside. The referee didn’t raise the flag for offside immediately, waiting for the play to continue as per the new protocol introduced in 2020, which many have sought as a reason for the Nigerian international’s injury, including his teammate Ola Aina.
He went to surgery, surgery went well. Thank god: Nuno Espirito Santo on Taiwo Awoniyi
After being severely hurt on the pitch at the City Ground, Taiwo Awoniyi was taken to the hospital on the next day for the first phase of his surgery to his abdominal area, as reported by BBC Sport. The second stage of the surgery happened on May 14 before the doctors at the hospital woke him up from the induced coma later on the same evening.
Prior to the weekend’s trip to West Ham United in the Premier League 2024-25 season, Nuno Espirito Santo was relieved about the surgery going well for Taiwo Awoniyi. He was quoted as saying, “He went to surgery, surgery went well. Thank god. 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.”
Furthermore, the Nottingham Forest manager expressed hope that the Nigerian striker will be able to attend their final game of the Premier League season against Chelsea at their home ground on May 25.
