Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has spoken out for the first time since undergoing emergency abdominal surgery, describing the 2024-2025 Premier League season as one of the most challenging of his career.
The Nigerian striker, sidelined after a severe abdominal injury, described the current campaign as “one of the most difficult seasons” of his career in a heartfelt Instagram post, shedding light on his ongoing recovery.
Recall that the 27-year-old sustained a ruptured intestine during a collision with a goalpost in Forest’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City last week.
Now awake, the Super Eagles star, who was placed in a medically induced coma following the severe injury, expressed gratitude to fans and optimism about his recovery.
Awoniyi wrote: “This season has been one of the most difficult of my career, but through it all, I have felt the love. With the grace of God, I am grateful to still be here, to still be fighting, to still be smiling, and to be in good spirits.
“To my teammates, coaches, staff, and the entire Forest family, thank you for your well wishes. Seeing you all on your visit to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say.”
Awoniyi also shared his encouragement to the squad as they head into their final Premier League matches, saying, “Wishing the boys the very best in these last two games. Keep believing and keep pushing. I’m with you all the way, and I can’t wait to be back out there with the boys doing what I love.”
The 27-year-old thanked his fans and his homeland for their care and support.
“To my family, friends, and football fans, thank you for the support. And to everyone back home in Nigeria who has checked in on me, prayed for me, and left kind words, thank you,” he said.
“I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover. Come on, you Reds. Still fighting, still smiling. #Godisthegreatest.”
Awoniyi’s health scare began on 12 May, after he suffered an abdominal injury during Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City at the City Ground.
The striker had collided with a goalpost while attempting to convert a cross from Anthony Elanga and initially tried to continue playing after receiving medical attention.
It was only the following day that Forest’s medical staff discovered the severity of the injury. He was immediately taken in for urgent surgery, which the club confirmed in a statement via their official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
