Taiwo Awoniyi, striker for Nottingham Forest, has spoken out after undergoing emergency surgery for an abdominal injury that put him in an induced coma earlier this month.
Awoniyi’s health crisis started after he injured his abdomen after hitting the goalpost during Nottingham Forest’s game against Leicester City while attempting to score from a cross.
The Nigerian international looked back on his experience in an Instagram post published on Sunday, calling the 2024–25 season one of the most difficult times in 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 thanked his teammates, coaches, club employees, and the entire Nottingham Forest community, For their assistance during his recuperation.
“Wishing the boys the very best in these last two games,” Awoniyi added, offering the team support as they prepare for their final two Premier League games.
Continue to push and believe. I will always be by your side, and I am eager to return to my favourite activity with the boys, he added.
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.”
