Taiwo Awoniyi has made his first public statement on social media since emerging from a medically induced coma.
The 27-year-old Nottingham Forest forward required urgent surgery following a concerning abdominal injury sustained during last weekend`s match against Leicester.
Remarkably, after colliding with the goalpost, Awoniyi was initially allowed to continue playing before eventually being taken off the field.
The Nigerian underwent an operation on Monday and was subsequently placed into an induced coma as a measure to stabilize his heart rate and physical movements.
Following the successful surgical procedure, Awoniyi is now out of the coma and is in recovery.
Ahead of Forest`s game against West Ham today, the popular striker shared an update on his social media platform.
He posted: “This season has been one of the most challenging periods of my career, yet through it all, I have truly felt the love. By the grace of God, I am thankful to still be here, still fighting, still smiling, and maintaining good spirits.”
“To my teammates, coaches, staff, and the entire Forest family, thank you for your well wishes. Seeing you all during your visit to the hospital significantly boosted my morale.”
“I wish the boys the very best in these remaining two matches. Keep believing and keep pushing forward. I am with you completely and eagerly await my return to the pitch to do what I love.”
“To my family, friends, and football supporters, I appreciate your support. And to everyone back home in Nigeria who checked on me, prayed for me, and sent kind messages, thank you. I see them, I feel them, and I carry them with me daily as I recover. Come on you Reds!”
Awoniyi`s post on Instagram garnered numerous messages of support.
Among those responding, Ademola Lookman commented, “Speedy recovery bro.” Wilfred Ndidi, Neco Williams, and Callum Hudson-Odoi also expressed their support by leaving heart emojis.
Earlier today, Morgan Gibbs-White scored Forest`s first-half goal against West Ham.
In a gesture of solidarity with his injured teammate, the English midfielder held up Awoniyi`s Forest shirt while celebrating the goal.
