Awoniyi lucky to be alive, says doctor…Forest to review injury incident, Aina blames match officials

By our reporter 15/5/2025
Striker Taiwo Awoniyi had additional surgery before he was brought out of induced coma on Wednesday, and he is expected to make a full recovery.
The player’s injury according to a medical doctor, was an accident that could have cost him his life as he suffered “gastrointestinal perforation” when he crashed into the goal post during Sunday’s Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Leicester City.
“In essence, you have undigested food, stomach acid, enzymes designed to break down tissue and bacteria from inside your intestines, suddenly having free rein around your abdominal pelvic region, which has huge consequences to the patient.
“Because of this, risk of death can be as high as 50 per cent,” Dr Gareth Nye of the University of Salford told the Daily Star.
Meanwhile according to BBC reports Forest will open an investigation on why Awoniyi was allowed to continue with the game. Though Awoniyi signaled that he was able to continue after pitch side treatment he was removed from the game after showing some discomfort.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was unhappy about the situation, calling it a “misjudgement” from the medical staff in a statement on Sunday night.
However, Awoniyi is expected to make a full recovery.
“ He is recovering well, said Awoniyi’s club and country teammate Ola Aina.
“This is our teammate and brother and someone we spend most of the year with day in, day out. It affects everybody in some sort of way.”
Aina blamed the match officials for not flagging Anthony Elanga who made the cross Awoniyi was chasing when he crashed into the post. Elanga was in an offside position.
“Anthony was miles offside. The whole world could see it. From where I was standing, it was obvious. Just lift the flag up,” Aina lamented.
“This wouldn’t have happened to ‘T’ if that decision was made immediately. It’s heartbreaking.”