Awoniyi undergoes emergency abdominal surgery after Leicester clash

Nottingham Forest striker and Nigerian international, Taiwo Awoniyi, was rushed to the hospital on Monday for emergency surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during his team’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City at the City Ground.

Awoniyi picked up the injury after colliding with the goalpost while attempting to convert a cross from Anthony Elanga in the second half of Sunday’s Premier League clash. Despite receiving on-pitch treatment and attempting to continue, the full extent of the injury became apparent only after further medical evaluation the next day.

Forest’s medical team immediately recommended surgery, though reports confirmed the procedure was not life-threatening.

The situation sparked tension at full-time, as club owner Evangelos Marinakis stormed the pitch and confronted head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, reportedly furious over the decision to keep Awoniyi on the pitch after the incident. Marinakis expressed concerns that the player’s condition had been mishandled despite consultations with medical staff during stoppage time.

The match itself was a frustrating one for Forest, whose Champions League hopes took a significant hit. The team now sits one point outside the top five, with just two matches remaining — against West Ham and Chelsea. Only a top-five finish guarantees Champions League qualification.

Nonetheless, Forest are assured of at least a spot in the UEFA Conference League, marking their return to European football for the first time since the 1995–96 season.

— AFP