Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has spoken out following a serious health scare that led to him being placed in an induced coma after emergency surgery.
The 27-year-old forward suffered a grave injury during Nottingham Forest’s recent 2-2 Premier League match against Leicester City. During the game, Awoniyi collided with the goalpost but initially attempted to continue playing despite the incident.
However, further medical examinations revealed he had a ruptured intestine, a condition that required immediate surgery.
After undergoing the operation, Awoniyi was placed in a medically induced coma to aid his recovery. Since then, he has received overwhelming support from his teammates, coaches, fans, and well-wishers worldwide.
Awoniyi recently took to Instagram to thank everyone for their prayers and encouragement during this tough time.
“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,” he wrote in an emotional message.
He also expressed his appreciation to his club’s family, saying, “To my teammates, coaches, staff and the entire Forest family, thank you for your well wishes. Seeing you all on your visits to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say.”
The Nigerian striker sent his best wishes to his team for the remaining matches of the season. “Wishing the boys the very best in these last two games. Keep believing and keeping pushing. I’ma with you all the way and I can’t wait to be back out there with the boys doing what I love.”
Awoniyi also noted the support from his family, friends, and fans, especially those back home in Nigeria. “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. I see them, I feel them, and I carry them with everyday as I recover,” he added.
