Nottingham Forest and Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi has broken his silence in a deeply emotional statement, following a terrifying health ordeal that saw him placed in a medically induced coma after suffering a ruptured intestine during a Premier League clash.
The 27-year-old was rushed to hospital for emergency abdominal surgery after a horrific collision with the goalpost in Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City.
Despite attempting to play on, scans later confirmed internal damage serious enough to warrant immediate surgery and subsequent induced coma for stabilisation.
“This season has been one of the most difficult of my career, but through it all, I have felt the love,”Awoniyi said in a moving Instagram post.
“By the grace of God, I am grateful to be here still, to still be fighting, to still be smiling, and to be in good spirits.”
From Match Day to the ICU: How It Happened
The incident occurred last Sunday at the City Ground, when Awoniyi collided violently with the upright while trying to convert a cross.
Though he continued briefly, he was later wheeled out in extreme discomfort, and medical scans revealed the full extent of the internal injury.
Doctors performed emergency surgery on Monday, and to prevent complications, placed him in a coma—a move described by sources close to the club as “life-saving.”
He was brought out of the coma on Thursday and has since been under careful monitoring in Nottingham.
“I See Them, I Feel Them”: Taiwo Awoniyi Thanks His Supporters
In his first public remarks since waking up, the former Union Berlin and Mainz 05 striker expressed deep appreciation to everyone who reached out.
“To my teammates, coaches, staff, and the entire Forest family — thank you for your well wishes. Seeing you all during your visits to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say.”
“To my family, friends, and football fans — thank you for the support. To everyone in Nigeria who has checked in on me, prayed for me, and shared kind words — thank you.”
“I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover.”
Forest Rally Behind Their Warrior: “This Win Was for T”
Nottingham Forest made their love and concern for Awoniyi crystal clear during Sunday’s emotional 2-1 victory over West Ham United. Players wore warm-up shirts emblazoned with the message:
“We’re all with you, Taiwo”, and Morgan Gibbs-White dedicated his goal to the Nigerian striker, kissing Awoniyi’s shirt in a powerful tribute.
“We knew we had to do it for T today. That performance was for him,” said Gibbs-White in his post-match interview.
“He gave us a message before the game that he’s right behind us. When we got the news he was out of the coma, it lifted everyone’s spirits.”
“He’s a fighter, and we fought for him today.”
Captain Gibbs-White also revealed the emotional toll Awoniyi’s health scare had on the team:
“Our first day back at training, the whole place was just lifeless. No one could focus. But hearing he was stable changed everything. He’s inspired us all.”
Champions League Dream Still Alive
Despite losing one of their most crucial attackers, Forest have defied the odds, keeping pace with Manchester City in the hunt for a Champions League berth.
They currently sit 7th, level on points with City, who hold a game in hand. Their final game against Chelsea could seal a UCL qualification.
Taiwo Awoniyi, who will miss the rest of the season, urged his teammates to stay the course:
“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 doing what I love.”
Forest and national teammate, Ola Aina also wore a special dedication shirt during warm-ups, while manager Nuno Espírito Santo said the win over West Ham was “for Taiwo”.
“He means everything to us. What he’s going through is terrifying, but his strength gives us hope,” said Nuno.
What’s Next for Taiwo Awoniyi?
Recovery is expected to take months, and a return date has not been confirmed. However, medical staff say he is responding well to rehabilitation and could resume light physical activity in the coming weeks.
“I’ll Be Back”: The Final Word
In closing his powerful message, Awoniyi reminded fans that while he’s currently sidelined, his passion remains as strong as ever:
“I can’t wait to be back out there doing what I love.”
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