Taiwo Awoniyi is out of an induced coma and is recovering well after undergoing urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury that could have been life-threating.
Mail Sport revealed that the Nottingham Forest striker was receiving intensive care on Wednesday night after surgeons had started what was a complex operation.
That procedure has now been completed today as planned, and the player was last night being monitored at hospital. It is understood he was awake following the surgery and with his family.
Awoniyi, 27, crashed into a post during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester and, following several minutes of treatment, returned to action before being taken off. The Nigerian was rushed to hospital after the extent of the injury was confirmed on Monday.
In a previous statement, the club attacked those – including Sky Sports’ Gary Neville – who criticised owner Evangelos Marinakis for entering the field and appearing to remonstrate with boss Nuno Espirito Santo following a draw which damaged their hopes of Champions League qualification.
Awoniyi could not be substituted because Forest had used their last available switch to replace Elliot Anderson with Jota Silva. In disturbing scenes he bravely tried to carry on, but was unable to move properly with his side frantically seeking a late winner.
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is out of an induced coma after undergoing urgent abdominal surgery
Awoniyi collided heavily with the post during the 2-2 draw with Leicester on Sunday
The star required several minutes of treatment but played on despite being in visible discomfort
With Forest reduced to 10 men, it appeared Marinakis took issue with Nuno at full-time.
However, in a frank statement, the club moved to clarify the situation. It read: ‘The seriousness of Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first. This principle is not just policy for us, it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner. To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn’t just a club, it’s family, and he instils that message in all of us.
‘That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation. His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility and emotional investment in one of our own.
‘He didn’t just see it as an isolated incident, but something that reflected the values and unity of the entire team.
‘In moments like that he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence.
‘When he saw our player clearly in discomfort it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines.
‘It was instinctive, human, and a reflection of just how much this team and its people mean to him. He would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur.
‘There was no confrontation, with Nuno or others, either on the pitch or inside the stadium. There was only shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.
Evangelos Marinakis entered the field after the match after expressing frustration at the medical staff for their handling of the injury
The Nigerian international is recovering well with his family (pictured with wife Taiye)
‘In light of this, we urge former coaches and players, and other public figures in the game, to resist the urge to rush to judgment and fake news online, especially when they do not have the full facts and context.
‘Baseless and ill-informed outrage for the purposes of personal social-media traction serves no one, least of all the injured player. We call on these influential voices to show the same respect for player welfare that they often demand from others. Let concern come before commentary.’
Awoniyi’s injury came after Anthony Elanga, whose cross Awoniyi was chasing, was allowed to advance on goal despite being clearly offside.
Many have questioned the IFAB ruling which asks assistant referees to delay raising the flag when there may be a goalscoring opportunity.
