Nottingham striker Taiwo Awoniyi in induced coma

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is currently in an induced coma after undergoing the first phase of surgery to treat a serious abdominal injury.

The 27-year-old sustained the injury in the 88th minute of Forest’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City at the City Ground on Sunday.

Awoniyi collided with the post while attempting to connect with a cross from Anthony Elanga.

He underwent surgery on Monday night and remains in the hospital, with the second phase of the procedure scheduled for Wednesday.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Nottingham Forest confirmed that the Nigeria international is “recovering well” following the initial operation.

Taiwo Awoniyi had come on as a late substitute for Ibrahim Sangare and required prolonged treatment on the pitch after the incident.

Elanga, who delivered the cross, was in an offside position when he received the ball.

However, the assistant referee did not raise the flag immediately, in accordance with current officiating protocols.

Taiwo Awoniyi had come on as a late substitute for Ibrahim Sangare

When a potential goalscoring opportunity arises, assistant referees are instructed to delay their flag until the phase of play concludes.

If a goal is scored, the situation can then be reviewed by the video assistant referee (VAR).

While this rule is designed to preserve attacking opportunities, critics argue it can put players at unnecessary risk.

After the match, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis entered the pitch to speak with manager Nuno Espírito Santo and express his concern over the handling of Awoniyi’s injury.

Marinakis is reportedly receiving regular updates on the striker’s condition.

In their statement, Forest emphasised the severity of the incident, calling it “a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player’s health and wellbeing must always come first.”