Nottingham Forest has announced that striker Taiwo Awoniyi is making a good recovery following urgent surgery. The 27-year-old suffered a severe abdominal injury during Sunday`s 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City at the City Ground.
Awoniyi collided with the goalpost in the 87th minute while attempting to connect with a pass. Despite requiring several minutes of medical attention, the Nigeria international was initially cleared to continue playing, even though he appeared to be in discomfort.
Forest explained that this handling of Awoniyi`s injury was the reason behind owner Evangelos Marinakis` animated conversation with manager Nuno Espírito Santo after the match. Marinakis was reportedly unhappy with the medical decision.
On Monday, the full extent of the issue was discovered, leading to Awoniyi being transported to hospital for emergency abdominal surgery.
Thankfully, the operation was successful, and the player is now recovering well.
In a club statement, Nottingham Forest detailed Awoniyi`s recovery and addressed the incident involving Marinakis. The statement highlighted that the seriousness of the injury serves as a powerful reminder of the physical risks inherent in football and the paramount importance of player health and well-being.
Regarding Marinakis` reaction, which drew criticism from some pundits, the club stated it stemmed from “deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment.” Forest emphasized that for Marinakis, the club is like a family, and he instills this belief in everyone involved.
The statement described the owner`s actions as “instinctive, human,” and a reflection of his strong feelings for the team and its personnel. His frustration arose from seeing the player in visible pain during the final minutes of the game, something the club believes anyone with genuine care would react to. Forest added that Marinakis would act the same way again if a similar unfortunate event occurred.
Furthermore, the club clarified that there was no confrontation with manager Nuno or others on the pitch or in the stadium, but rather a “shared frustration” among everyone involved that the medical team should not have allowed Awoniyi to continue playing.
Forest concluded by urging former players, coaches, and public figures to avoid rushing to judgment and spreading “fake news” online without full facts. They called for these influential voices to demonstrate the same respect for player welfare they often demand, prioritizing concern over commentary. The club reaffirmed its principle that the mental and physical well-being of players and staff must always take precedence over media narratives, inflammatory judgments, or self-promotion, and that in difficult moments, the football community should unite in support of those on the field.
