Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi in induced coma following emergency surgery

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma following emergency abdominal surgery.

The Nigerian international sustained the injury after colliding with the goalpost shortly after being introduced as a second-half substitute during Forest’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City on Sunday.

The incident led to a tense on-field exchange between manager Nuno Espirito Santo and club owner Evangelos Marinakis, highlighting a miscommunication between the coaching staff and medical team.

To aid his recovery, Awoniyi was placed in an induced coma post-surgery to minimize movement and stabilize his heart rate. A second phase of the procedure is scheduled for completion on Wednesday. Nottingham Forest issued a statement noting that Awoniyi is “recovering well.”

The injury and its handling sparked visible frustration from Marinakis, who entered the pitch after the final whistle to confront Espirito Santo. The manager explained that the confusion arose after Awoniyi signaled he was fit to continue, prompting the coaching staff to use their final substitution — Elliot Anderson for Jota Silva in stoppage time. However, Awoniyi continued to struggle visibly, effectively reducing Forest to ten men for the closing minutes and limiting their chances of securing a victory.

In a statement, the club defended Marinakis’ actions, describing them as “a demonstration of leadership, emotional investment, and genuine care.”

“When he saw our player clearly in pain during the final minutes, it became impossible for him to remain passive. His decision to step onto the pitch was instinctive — driven by empathy and commitment to the team,” the club said.

Recently, Marinakis stepped down as a person with significant control of Nottingham Forest, a move believed to be linked to the club’s push for Champions League qualification. UEFA regulations prevent individuals from having decisive influence over multiple clubs in the same competition. Marinakis also owns Olympiakos, who have secured the Greek league title.

With two matches remaining — against West Ham away and Chelsea at home — Forest sit seventh in the Premier League, one point behind fifth-placed Chelsea. The top five are expected to qualify for next season’s Champions League.