Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone emergency abdominal surgery after sustaining an injury during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City at the City Ground, according to reports on Monday.
The Nigerian international suffered the injury after colliding with the goalpost while attempting to convert a cross from teammate Anthony Elanga. Despite receiving treatment on the pitch, Awoniyi initially continued playing. However, the true extent of the damage was not fully realized until Monday, when Forest’s medical staff determined he required immediate surgery. The procedure is not believed to be life-threatening.
The incident sparked a dramatic post-match scene, as Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stormed onto the pitch to confront head coach Nuno Espirito Santo in an unusual outburst. Marinakis expressed concern over the decision to keep Awoniyi on the field despite visible discomfort.
“I was concerned about Awoniyi’s condition after he was left on,” Marinakis reportedly told staff, referencing a late stoppage-time consultation between Nuno and the club’s medical team.
The draw marked a disappointing result for Forest, dealing a blow to their hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 1980-81 season. Nuno’s side, currently in seventh place, sit one point outside the Premier League’s top five — the cutoff for Champions League qualification — with crucial fixtures remaining against West Ham and fifth-placed Chelsea.
Despite the setback, Forest have secured a spot in the UEFA Conference League, which will mark their return to European competition for the first time since the 1995-96 campaign.
AFP
