By our reporter 19-5-2025
Buoyed by their 2-1 away win over West Ham last weekend, Nottingham Forest are determined to win their last game of the season, which may guarantee them a top four finish depending on other results.
It was this desperation for a top four finish that led to striker Taiwo Awnoniyi bursting his stomach when he collided with the goal post and needed two quick surgeries to save his life.
Last weekend against the Hammers, after Morgan Gibbs-White scored he held Awoniyi’s number nine shirt in celebration with his teammates.
Forest coach Nuno Espirito Santo said: ‘Since the beginning of our preparations T was on our minds due to the seriousness of the situation, and the boys really wanted to do it for him.
‘That was our final words, “let’s give it a push”. He is someone we admire, his smile is contagious, and the boys did it for him. We are so proud.”
Awoniyi thanked his teammates, family and friends for their show of support.
“This season has been one of the most difficult of my career but through it all, I have felt the love,’ he wrote on his X social media page.
“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.
“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.
“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. I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover. Come on you Reds.”
Forest are seventh on league table with 65 points a win for them on final weekend and a loss for Manchester City game in hand playing on Tuesday, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Newcastle will guarantee them a champions league spot. Forest are home to Chelsea in their last game of the season.