Super Eagles striker is currently in coma induced after emergency surgery for intestinal rupture
The soccer community gathered around the Taiji after Nottingham Forest and Super Eagles strikers were confirmed to be in a induced coma after emergency surgery on the ruptured intestine.
The 27-year-old was injured in the final minutes of a 2-2 2-2 woods draw with Leicester City on Sunday.
Awoniyi, who had just been brought in as an alternative, collided with the goalpost, trying to reach the cross from Anthony Elanga.
Despite immediate treatment, Awoniyi tried to continue playing.
However, the severity of his condition led to further medical evaluations on Monday, and he was later admitted to the hospital and underwent abdominal surgery later that night.
On Tuesday, Nottingham Forest said Awoniyi was “welling well,” but doctors said he would put him in the coma that led him to restrict his movements and help him regulate his heart rate.
It is understood that his condition is not life-threatening.
The world of soccer behind Awoniyi gathers together
The incident sparked widespread concern and support from the entire football world.
The Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa, fans, journalists and now former teammates are all sending messages of encouragement and solidarity.
Nigeria’s international and Atletico Madrid forward, Rashdat Azibade, shared a heartfelt message.
“Our hearts are heavy because we have awoniyi in prayer. A few days ago he shared light and power with us on the Rush 4 Christ podcast.
God is with you, Tai Chi. You are not alone. Say a prayer for Tai Chi and his family. ” she wrote on page X.
Awoniyi’s former club Union Berlin has also sent his best wishes via social media.
“Best wishes for sending our love and quick recovery @nffc eisenrn!”
The message of support continues to pour in, highlighting Awoniyi’s positive impact on pitch.
Change the rule
Awoniyi’s injury also rekindled discussions about the VAR protocol. In the face of the collision, Anthony Elanga received the ball in an offside position, but the play was allowed to continue due to standard judicial procedures instructing assistants to delay the rise of the flag until the opportunity to achieve the target was over.
Critics argue that this delay, designed to ensure accurate VAR reviews, can put players at unnecessary risk.
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Club defends owner response in speculation
After the game, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis joined the pitch, urging media coverage of possible conflict with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo. However, the club strongly denied these claims, calling them “fake news.”
In a statement, the club defended Marinakis’ actions.
“In the final 10 minutes of the game, it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines when he saw our players feel uncomfortable and struggling with visible pain. His deep frustration with seeing our players lying on the ground in intense pain – unable to have real care – he caused him to go on the pitch.”
“The truth behind the problem is that there was no conflict with Nuno or anyone else on the pitch or stadium. We were simply sharing our frustration between us all, that we should never allow the medical team to continue playing.”
Nothinghham Forest has promised more updates on Awoniyi when it becomes available.
