Taiwo Awoniyi Undergoes Emergency Surgery After Injury Against Leicester

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has had emergency surgery after suffering a serious stomach injury during Sunday’s Premier League match against Leicester City.

The 27-year-old Nigerian got injured late in the game at the City Ground after crashing into the goalpost while trying to reach a cross from Anthony Elanga in the 88th minute of the 2-2 draw.

He received medical attention on the pitch and continued playing, but it was clear he was in pain when the match resumed.

In a statement, Nottingham Forest said:

“The club can confirm Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone urgent surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City.”

“Everyone at Nottingham Forest sends their best wishes to Taiwo. The club will provide further updates when appropriate.”

Awoniyi had only been on the pitch for five minutes, having come on as a late substitute for Ibrahim Sangare.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis commented on Instagram that part of the reason he came onto the pitch at full time was his frustration over how Awoniyi’s injury was handled.

“Everyone – the coaching staff, players, fans, and myself – were upset about Taiwo’s injury and how the medical team judged whether he could continue,” he said.

“It’s natural. It shows how much we all care about our club.”

Awoniyi joined Forest from Union Berlin in June 2022. Although he previously spent time at Liverpool between 2015 and 2021, he never played a senior game for them.

This season, he has scored one goal in the Premier League for Forest.