Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi was rushed to the hospital on Monday for emergency abdominal surgery after sustaining an injury during Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City at the City Ground on Sunday.
The injury occurred when Awoniyi collided with the goalpost while attempting to convert a low cross from teammate Anthony Elanga. Despite appearing in pain, he tried to continue playing after receiving on-pitch treatment.
However, Forest’s medical team later discovered the severity of the internal injury and arranged for immediate surgery. The procedure was successful and the injury is not considered life-threatening, according to club sources.
The incident sparked post-match chaos, with club owner Evangelos Marinakis storming the pitch to confront manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
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Marinakis was reportedly furious that Awoniyi was not substituted earlier, accusing the coaching team of mishandling the player’s condition.
“It was over Taiwo Awoniyi,” Nuno later confirmed, acknowledging the owner’s frustration and clarifying that medical staff had cleared the striker to continue during stoppage time.
The draw dealt a heavy blow to Forest’s Champions League aspirations. The club now sits one point outside the top five in seventh place, with crucial fixtures remaining against West Ham and Chelsea.
Still, Forest is guaranteed a spot in the UEFA Conference League, marking their return to European competition for the first time in nearly three decades.
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