•Taiwo Awoniyi
Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering after undergoing surgery for a serious abdominal injury sustained during a match.
The striker, who suffered a ruptured intestine, underwent the first phase of surgery on Monday, reports BBC Sport.
As part of the medical process, he was placed in an induced coma on Tuesday to allow doctors to monitor his condition closely.
The second stage of the operation, which involved closing the wound, was successfully completed yesterday.
“Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi has woken from an induced coma after undergoing surgery to repair a serious abdominal injury,” the report said.
“Awoniyi underwent the second stage of the operation, including closing the wound, on Wednesday – a process that was successful.”
The incident has drawn national attention and concern. Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressed sympathy for the injured player.
“I read with deep concern the unfortunate incident involving our own Taiwo Awoniyi, a resilient son of the soil, who, while giving his best on the field for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League, suffered a severe injury in the line of duty,” Obi stated.
Obi described Awoniyi’s perseverance despite his injury as a reflection of the “unyielding Nigerian spirit,” noting that the player continued after colliding with the goalpost.
“Let us not take this lightly. We must appreciate and celebrate such young men who continue to lift our flag high, even at great personal risk… May he recover fully and return stronger,” he added.
Providing an update on Taiwo Awoniyi’s health, Nigerian photojournalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel, also known as OgaNlaMedia, reported that the player is showing positive signs of recovery.
He stated that he spoke with a family member who confirmed Awoniyi is recovering well and is being supported by his wife.
He added that there is hope of being able to speak with the player soon.
