Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has broken his silence following emergency surgery for an abdominal injury that saw him placed in an induced coma earlier this month.

In an Instagram post shared on Sunday, the Nigerian international reflected on his ordeal, describing the 2024/25 season as one of the toughest periods of his football career.

“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,” Awoniyi wrote.

He expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, club staff, and the entire Nottingham Forest community for their support during his recovery.

“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,” the Ilorin-born striker stated.

Awoniyi also shared his encouragement to the squad as they head into their final two 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 the 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.”

Emergency Surgery And Coma

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.

“The Club can confirm Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone urgent surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City. Everyone at Nottingham Forest sends their best wishes to Taiwo. The club will provide further updates when appropriate,” the club stated.

Reports later emerged that Awoniyi had been placed in a medically induced coma as part of the post-surgery process. Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo confirmed this in a press briefing held on 16 May, stating that the situation had deeply affected the team.

“We are concerned, but it is positive… The situation he went through has been hard on us.”

Forest’s European Hopes

The incident added to an already difficult day for Forest, who lost ground in the race for Champions League qualification following the draw with Leicester.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis made headlines after storming onto the pitch at full-time and confronting manager Nuno over the handling of Awoniyi’s injury.

Marinakis was reportedly furious that the player was kept on the pitch despite his visible distress, even after Nuno had consulted with medical staff.

Forest, who currently sit seventh on the Premier League table, are no longer in control of their Champions League destiny. They trail the top five by one point with two fixtures remaining — against West Ham and Chelsea.

Nonetheless, the club has secured a spot in the UEFA Conference League, marking its first return to European football since the 1995/96 season. (Channels TV)