Awoniyi Breaks Silence After Emergency Surgery, Thanks Fans for Support

Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has shared a heartfelt message of gratitude following a life-threatening abdominal injury that required emergency surgery and left him in a medically induced coma.

The 27-year-old forward sustained a ruptured intestine during Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 Premier League clash against Leicester City last Sunday. He was rushed to the hospital the following day, where he underwent two surgeries and was subsequently placed in a coma as part of his treatment and recovery process. He regained consciousness on Wednesday.

In an emotional Instagram post on Sunday, Awoniyi reflected on the harrowing experience, describing the 2024/2025 season as one of the most difficult of his career.

“This season has been one of the most difficult of my career, but through it all, I have felt the love,” he wrote. “With the grace of God, I am grateful to still be here, to still be fighting, to still be smiling, and to be in good spirits.”

The Nigerian international extended his gratitude to family, friends, and fans from across the world—especially those in Nigeria—for their support, prayers, and messages of encouragement.

“To my family, friends, and football fans, thank you for the support, and to everyone back home in Nigeria who has checked in on me, prayed for me, and left kind words, thank you. I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover,” Awoniyi added.

He also paid tribute to Nottingham Forest, commending the visits and well-wishes from teammates, coaches, and club staff, which he said boosted his morale while he was hospitalised.

“To my teammates, coaches, staff, and the entire Forest family, thank you for your well wishes. Seeing you all on your visit to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say.”

Concluding his message, Awoniyi expressed optimism for his teammates as the season nears its end. “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 with the boys doing what I love.”

Awoniyi has played a key role for Nottingham Forest since joining the club in 2022. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, but the striker’s message suggests he is on the path to full recovery.